Private sector key in water, sanitation services provision -minister

By NATION REPORTER GOVERNMENT is determined to work with the private sector in providing safe and clean water and sanitation services as well as encouraging the planting of trees to combat effects of climate change.

Local Government minister Vincent Mwale said government was cognizant that it could not work in isolation and provide all services without partnership from the private sector such as Community based Enterprises as well as community participation.

The minister who was represented by his director planning Numeral Banda in Lusaka yesterday, during the commemoration of World Water Day under the theme “Nature for Water”, said there was need to use the forces of nature such tree planting to mitigate the effects of climate change and improve the water cycle.

Mr. Mwale observed that although government had made significant strides in the provision of water, one third of the population still lacked access to clean and safe water.

“Government desires to work with the private sector to provide quality services of water and sanitation, government cannot work in isolation to offer all services effectively and without community participation and monitoring,” he said.

He encouraged Community based Enterprises (CBEs) to forge ahead in the provision of waste collection despite of challenges faced which include inadequate transport to ferry garbage to the dump hills.

Mr. Mwale applauded a solid waste project dubbed Community Driven Models for Equitable Services (COMEQS) being implemented by stakeholders such as Care Zambia, Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company, People’s Process on Housing and Poverty in Zambia, Zambia Homeless and People’s Federation and CBEs.

The project seeks to improve health conditions in selected peri-urban communities in Lusaka such as Ngombe, Chipata, Chaisa and Kanyama compounds.