HABITAT for Humanity Zambia (HHZ) has started building 80 conventional toilets at over K1.7 million in Makululu informal settlement of Kabwe.
The household toilets are being built under the project Community Driven Models for Wash Improvement, funded by Germany’s Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Minister of W Water Development and Sanitation Mike Mposha yesterday Commissioned the initial 15 toilets each worth about K22,000.
He said Government is determined to ensure that Zambians have access to basic sanitation and water by 2030.
“То this end, the President has directed this ministry (of Water Development and Sanitation) to ensure that all public facilities have water and adequate sanitation facilities,” he said at Indeni grounds.
He said poor sanitation remains the main cause of cholera, typhoid, dysentery and other intestinal infections.
Mr Mposha said it is important for people in informal settlements like Makululu to access clean water and good sanitation.
He said Government is happy with its partnership with HHZ and other cooperating partners in the water and sanitation sector as it is bearing results.
Mr Mposha also prodded residents of Makululu to migrate from using pit latrines to conventional toilets. He said pit latrines are among major causes of pollution of underground water. The minister said Government is also aware of challenges of access to water in Kabwe.
He said efforts are being made to implement a water project in the district which will help in resolving the challenge in places like Bwacha.
And HHZ board chairperson Maureen Mwanawasa said the 80 toilets will be built before the close of this year.
Dr Mwanawasa said the sanitation project is in line with Sustainable Development Goal six, which focuses on provision of clean water and sanitation for all.
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany development desk officer Buumba Siamaluba said access to good sanitation among vulnerable people in Zambia is cardinal.
Bwacha Member of Parliament Sydney Mushanga commended HHZ for the new project because it is aimed at improving the health and livelihoods of Makululu residents.
Kabwe Mayor Patrick Chishala said access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human right.
Lukanga Water and Sanitation Company managing director Yoramu Sinyangwe said the firm wants to ensure Central Province meets the set benchmarks in sanitation services.
