Opposition group, UKA, calls for proactive measures to avert waterborne disease as Zambia heads into rainy season

The United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) has called on the government to establish effective measures to prevent outbreaks of cholera, dysentery, typhoid and other waterborne diseases as the rainy season begins.

Alliance spokesperson, Jackson Silavwe, expressed concern over residents in high-density townships who face continued challenges accessing safe drinking water, a situation worsened by prolonged load shedding.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, Silavwe emphasized government’s responsibility to ensure that all Zambians, particularly those in cholera-prone areas, have reliable access to clean water and sanitation.

“To safeguard lives, we urge the government to ensure access to the cholera vaccine to prevent fatalities,” he said.

Silavwe further called for strengthened capacity at Lusaka Water and Sanitation Company and other water utilities nationwide to deliver safe drinking water continuously.

He recommended that ZESCO prioritise power to water utilities to ensure uninterrupted service, especially during the rainy season.

He also urged the government to enhance waste management efforts, including timely garbage collection and improved sanitation in markets and trading areas.

Silavwe advocated for implementation of the “Keep Zambia Clean Campaign” across all districts and ensuring access to chlorine for residents in cholera hotspots.

“UKA believes that if these short-term measures are well executed, they can help prevent a possible cholera outbreak and other waterborne diseases,” Silavwe stated.

He added that a cholera outbreak poses risks for all Zambians, regardless of political affiliation, and urged authorities to act on the goals set in the National Multi-Sectoral Plan for Cholera Elimination by 2025, initiated under the previous administration.

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