The Mwense Town Council has intensified efforts aimed at increasing access to clean water and sanitation facilities in the district.

Water and Sanitation Engineer, Stacy Nomayi, says 72 percent of an estimated 140 thousand district population has access to clean drinking water, while 79 percent has safe sanitary facilities.

Mr Nomayi commended UNICEF for supporting the implementation of various interventions aimed at promoting good sanitation and access to clean water in the district.

He explained that the local authority, with support from UNICEF, has continued to spearhead the Community Led Total Sanitation programme, adding that the district is geared to attain the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status by 2027.

Mr Nomayi added that the local authority and Department of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF, are working with the Zambia Red Cross to implement the Community-Led Total Sanitation programme.