Vice President Mutale Nalumango has reiterated governments commitment to supporting the water and sanitation sector as a key enabler of national development.

Mrs Nalumango notes that this commitment is reflected in the government’s continued investment in water and sanitation infrastructure across the country.

She explained that Zambia has zero-rated tax on water treatment chemicals, which has reduced costs for utilities and ensured more affordable access to safe drinking water.

“We are reviewing legislation such as the water supply and sanitation act, so as to strengthen governance and the regulatory frameworks aimed at improving efficiency as well as ensuring equitable service delivery,” she added.

Mrs Nalumango was speaking today during the official opening of the 14th Zambia Water Forum Exhibition (ZAWAFE), held under the theme: “From Commitment to Action: Accelerating Integrated Resilience Solutions for Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” in Lusaka.

Speaking at the same event, ZAWAFE Organising Committee Chairperson, Imasiku Nyambe said ZAWAFE provides a platform to share experiences on water challenges and try to provide solutions.

Prof Nyambe also seized the moment to caution the gathering on the impending El Nino.

And Finish Ambassador to Zambia, Saana Halinen, called for urgent structured and cooperative governance regarding transboundary water bodies so as to provide for peaceful, equitable and sustainable transboundary water cooperation.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Country representative, Saja Farook Abdullah, in a speech read on her behalf by UNICEF Deputy Country Representative, Tinkhani Msonda, stated that water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are foundations to human capital development.