Zimpapers Logo

Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]

GOVERNMENT has directed the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector to respond effectively to citizens’ concern on service delivery and improve livelihoods to facilitate economic transformation, especially in rural areas.
Addressing the annual WASH Joint Sector Review (JSR) meeting in Bulawayo yesterday, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka, said water is not just a basic necessity but a human right and an economic enabler as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
“A true climate-smart WASH sector must, therefore, be responsive and ensure alignment to the Presidential initiative and ensure economic transformation for our rural communities empowering them to participate actively in the national economy, not as spectators but real players,” he said in a speech delivered on his behalf by his deputy, Cde Vangelis Haritatos.
The conference runs under the theme: “Climate Resilient WASH: A Call to Action for Universal and Sustainable WASH Services”.
There is consensus that water, sanitation and hygiene are indispensable to social and economic development, a fundamental basis for promoting sustainable development and healthy ecosystems, and key to human survival.
As such the effectiveness of both water management, water supply, sanitation and hygiene services provision are key enablers to sustained economic growth and social transformation.

For Zimbabwe, ensuring WASH safety and security for all is pivotal in achieving the country’s aspirations of vision 20230 of creating an empowered upper middle-income economy.
The consultative meeting sought to review progress made in implementing the sector vision, consolidating the gains and deriving lessons for the future.
The meeting outcomes would set the agenda for action, at various levels, towards the attainment of WASH goals in Zimbabwe.
Dr Masuka acknowledged the pivotal role played by development partners in implementing the solarised borehole scheme countrywide.
He said the collaborative efforts advance the WASH agenda stressing the need to prioritise the rehabilitation of boreholes to ensure that communities have access to reliable clean water.
Additionally, he said it is essential to build and strengthen capacities of communities to effectively manage, operate and maintain WASH infrastructure.

“Equally important is the need to develop requisite capacity operations and maintenance of solar powered pipe water schemes. By foresting local ownership, we can empower communities to take an active role in WASH services management and ensure sustainability and resilience,” he said.
Dr Masuka further urged increased private sector involvement in WASH activities.
“We cannot do it alone without your active involvement,” he said.
Topics under discussion include minimum WASH service delivery standards, climate resilient WASH services, sustainable WASH services, waste water management, integrated urban water management and standards for piped water, review of service delivery approaches and the Presidential initiatives.
Sector financing is also under spotlight.
“WASH sector financing is significantly off target, particularly for sanitation that should be at least of 0.5 percent of GDP according to the eThekwini Declaration (AU, 2008).
“Similarly, budgetary allocations for WASH information management, education, research and capacity building are low, which impacts on capabilities to effectively plan for sector development, in the face of climate change and climate variability,” reads part of the concept note.