President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed government’s commitment to achieving universal access to clean water and safe sanitation, saying massive investments in water infrastructure are being undertaken to improve the lives of citizens across the country.

Vice President Dr Mutale Nalumango during the 2026 Africa Public Service Day commemorations in Lusaka, President Hichilema said Government has accelerated investments in dam construction, groundwater development, water harvesting infrastructure and climate-resilient water supply systems.

The President cited the completion of major projects such as the Kafulafuta Water Supply System and the Kafue Bulk Water Supply Project, which have benefited more than 1.4 million people, as evidence of Government’s commitment to improving water security.

He further disclosed that over 1,500 emergency boreholes have been drilled countrywide following the 2023/2024 drought, while several dams have been completed to support agriculture, livestock and domestic water supply.

President Hichilema called for stronger partnerships among Government, the private sector, civil society and cooperating partners, stating that achieving universal access to water and sanitation requires collective responsibility, innovation and accountable institutions.

Earlier, Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa said this year’s Africa Public Service Day, commemorated under the theme “Enhancing Public Sector Institutions and Empowering Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships to Achieve Universal Water Availability and Safe Sanitation,” had provided an important platform for citizens and public institutions to interact and strengthen partnerships aimed at improving service delivery.