New Minister Promises Universal Access To Water And Sanitation

Newly appointed Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection Minister Jonas Chanda has promised to provide all Zambian with universal access to water and sanitation services.

Dr Chanda says he will also prioritise water and environmental management, as outlined in the Seventh National Development Plan and the Vision 2030. 

Chanda was elected member for Bwana Mkubwa in 2016. He replaces Dennis Wachinga as minister for water development, who himself was promoted to replace disgraced former education minister David Mabumba.

Mabumba was dismissed by President Lungu last week after footage emerged depicting the minister touching himself in a sexual manner during a video call with an unidentified woman. 

Speaking on Wednesday, Dr Chanda announced that President Lungu had expressed a personal interest in his ministry’s projects, including the Kafulafuta Water Supply System and the Kafue Bulk Water Project.

According to a 2018 survey, 64% of Zambians have access to basic drinking water supplies. This figure falls to 49% in rural areas. 

Only 33% of Zambians have access to basic sanitation, again falling to 28% in rural areas.