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A non-governmental organization has called for sustained political will to eliminate cholera by 2030, a goal Zambia committed to in 2018.
Forum Coordinator, Bubala Muyovwe-Mumba, stressed that several districts remained areas of concern as Zambia works toward this target.
Speaking during a meeting with the Parliamentary Caucus on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Lusaka, organized by Zambia NGO Wash, with support from Water Sanitation For All, Mumba highlighted the gap between government’s budgetary commitments and the actual allocations.
While the government had pledged to allocate five percent of the national budget towards WASH, only three percent has been consistently achieved.
“Vulnerabilities, including low coverage of water, sanitation, and hygiene services, inadequate waste management, and poor sanitation facilities, have contributed to the cholera crisis,” Mumba explained.
Recent data presented by Mumba showed an increase in affected areas, expanding from cholera hotspots to regions in need of multi-stakeholder interventions.
“To achieve long-term improvements in WASH and environmental health, there must be sustained political commitment and resource allocation,” Mumba emphasized.
She further advocated for increased investment in sanitation, noting that every dollar spent on water and sanitation yields a return of four dollars.
Read More: Five die as cholera outbreak hits Kasumbalesa, authorities intensify response
Mumba also highlighted the substantial economic impact of cholera outbreaks, which can lead to significant losses in productivity and economic stability.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Caucus on WASH Chairperson, Mutinta Twaambo, called for capacity building for those working with the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), advocating for simplified and consultative development of CDF guidelines.
Twaambo also emphasized the importance of understanding global water goals, noting that many parliamentarians lack expertise in this area.
“There is a need for more investment in water from civil society and other stakeholders, and we must build on existing urban plans rather than reinventing them,” Twaambo stated.
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