The Department is responsible for the formulation, review and implementation of water supply and sanitation policies, programs and projects in order to ensure improved health and socio-economic wellbeing of the citizens.

The Objectives of the Department are highlighted as follows:

1. Formulate and review policies and legislation for Water Supply and Sanitation to strengthen sector governance and improve service delivery.
2. Facilitate capacity development programmes to enhance institutional capacity, human resources, and systems for effective service delivery.
3. Formulate and review national programmes and action plans on water supply and sanitation to guide coordinated and sustainable sector development.
4. Facilitate the mobilisation of financial resources for water supply and sanitation programmes and projects to support infrastructure development and service improvement.
5. Facilitate the establishment, capacity development and operationalisation of Commercial Water Utilities to enhance professional management of water supply and sanitation services.
6. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of Water Supply and Sanitation policies and programmes to ensure compliance, efficiency and effective service provision.
7. Promote community participation in the management of water supply and sanitation programmes to ensure ownership, sustainability and improved service outcomes.
8. Conduct research in Water Supply and Sanitation to generate data, evidence, and innovations for informed decision-making and sector performance improvement.
9. Provide technical assistance and material support to Local Authorities and Commercial Utilities to strengthen institutional capacity and operational effectiveness.
10. Promote collaboration among sector stakeholders for harmonised planning, implementation and efficient provision of water supply and sanitation services.
11. Develop, review and disseminate guidelines and standards to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance in the provision of water supply and sanitation services.
12. Facilitate the development and rehabilitation of urban, peri-urban and rural water supply and sanitation infrastructure to improve access, reliability, and overall service delivery.

The Department is headed by the Director, and supported by two Assistant Directors responsible for:

1. Water Supply overseeing
   • Urban Water Supply
   • Rural Water Supply
   • Infrastructure Maintenance
2. Sanitation  overseeing
   • Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion
   • Community Development

The Department is composed of the following sections:

1. Urban Water Supply
2. Rural Water Supply
3. Infrastructure Development
4. Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion
5. Community Development.

The Department is also represented at Provincial level, where the Provincial Water Supply and Sanitation Officer
is the head, assisted by three Senior Officers: Water Supply, Sanitation and Community Development.