NWASCO JOINS THE REST OF THE WORLD IN COMMEMORATING WORLD TOILET DAY AND CALLS FOR PARTNERSHIPS AIMED AT DELIVERING SUSTAINABLE IMPROVED SANITATION
In commemorating world Toilet day which falls today 19th November , NWASCO observes that with the current low sanitation coverage of 36% in Urban areas it is unlikely that the MDG goal target on sanitation will be met , unless appropriate measures to improve sanitation are put in place. National access clearly may not be achieved immediately but there is need for demonstration that steps are being made towards this goal using available resources.
Adequate investment for providing basic sanitation remains cardinal to see a turnaround of the current status of sanitation coverage in the country. It is therefore prudent that Government prioritizes water and sanitation on the National agenda.
For a long time now, financing hasbeenone of the major obstacles in increasing access to adequate sanitation in Zambia because of the huge cost involved especially in establishing piped sewerage systems and waste water treatment plants for urban areas. Lack of appreciation for these sanitation facilities is also a contributing factor to poor sanitation
Accelerated access to sanitation needs a favourable enabling environment, especially for the participation of private sector and civil society (NGOs).NWASCO would like to call for tripartite partnerships (Government – private sector – civil society) for sustainable improved sanitation.
Although government has increased allocation to the water supply and sanitation sector to 555 billion Kwacha(a 28% increase from 2010) as outlined in the national budget for 2011, it still inadequate to meet the current demand and need f of basic sanitation. Hence the need for private sector and other stakeholders to get involved in order to complement government’s efforts.
World Toilet Day is a global day to raise awareness of the global sanitation crisis. It is Commemorated on November 19th each year, to bring awareness of access to proper sanitation
Investing in water and sanitation is costly yet evidence has shown that the cost of not ensuring access to drinking water and adequate sanitation is even higher in terms of public health and loss of school days and man hours. In an environment of scarce public money, it is about the best possible allocation of public funds to the entire sanitation value chain.
As the saying goes “water is life, sanitation is dignity” so everyone needs a toilet!
