WaterAid Zambia

WaterAid Zambia Working to ensure access to water and sanitation by all. Ending water poverty.
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Handover of Handwashing Facilities in Nkeyema SchoolsAs part of ongoing efforts to improve access to inclusive Water, Sa...
25/07/2025

Handover of Handwashing Facilities in Nkeyema Schools

As part of ongoing efforts to improve access to inclusive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in schools, the Healthy Empowered and Resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (HER WASH) Project successfully handed over four permanent handwashing facilities to selected schools in Nkeyema District on 23 July 2025. This event marked a significant milestone in WaterAid Zambia’s work to strengthen school WASH systems and promote hygiene behaviour change for long-term health outcomes.

HER WASH is a collaborative initiative led by WaterAid Zambia, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the District Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Education (DWASHE) committee, and supported by Sulzer. The project aims to improve WASH infrastructure, strengthen systems, and promote advocacy in 20 schools across selected districts.

The event marked the official commissioning and handover of four new handwashing facilities constructed in public schools in Nkeyema District. The infrastructure includes permanent, inclusive, and durable handwashing stations designed to support proper hygiene practices among learners and staff.

Speaking during the event, the Nkeyema District Commissioner commended the multi-stakeholder approach and highlighted the power of partnership in driving sustainable change, especially in rural schools. The facilities are already being utilized by learners and have contributed to improved hygiene behaviours within school communities.

The handover also reflects the HER WASH Project’s broader advocacy impact. At Shimano Secondary School, project-supported advocacy has enabled the school to access and apply Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources for the development of an independent water supply system, demonstrating the success of localized, evidence-driven advocacy in resource mobilization.

The facilities provide a safer, healthier learning environment and reinforce the critical role of hygiene in protecting learners’ health, dignity, and resilience.

The handover of handwashing facilities in Nkeyema is a tangible outcome of coordinated advocacy, community participation, and technical support under HER WASH. It is a step forward in making clean water, decent sanitation, and good hygiene a daily reality for all learners in Zambia.

 WE ARE STILL FEELING THE ENERGY FROM LAST SATURDAY’S WATER SECURITY RUN!WaterAid Zambia joined the  Lusaka Water Securi...
24/07/2025



WE ARE STILL FEELING THE ENERGY FROM LAST SATURDAY’S WATER SECURITY RUN!

WaterAid Zambia joined the Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) Water Security Run in what was a day full of movement, meaning, and momentum for change!

LuWSi Board Chair and our Country Director, Yankho Mataya, reminded us that, “This wasn’t just a run; it was a powerful symbol of collective commitment to water security.”
Big thanks to all who ran, walked, or cheered.

Charting a Sustainable WASH Future for Monze DistrictWaterAid Zambia and Monze District Council through our Drought and ...
24/07/2025

Charting a Sustainable WASH Future for Monze District

WaterAid Zambia and Monze District Council through our Drought and Cholera Response Project, held a two-day planning meeting this month aimed at developing a comprehensive long-term sustainability plan for WASH infrastructure and related activities inWaterAid Zambia and Monze District Council through our Drought and Cholera Response Project, held a two-day planning meeting this month aimed at developing a comprehensive long-term sustainability plan for WASH infrastructure and related activities in the district.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders including World Vision Zambia , CARE Zambia , Southern Water and Sanitation Company, and various government departments to collaboratively chart a path toward lasting impact. The resulting plan will serve as a guiding framework to strengthen the sustainability of WASH initiatives across Monze District.

WaterAid Presents Critical WASH Financing Asks to President Hakainde Hichilema At The LGAZ Conference WaterAid Zambia is...
23/07/2025

WaterAid Presents Critical WASH Financing Asks to President Hakainde Hichilema At The LGAZ Conference

WaterAid Zambia is proud to be part of this year’s Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) Conference, held under the theme: “Innovative Municipal Financing and Service Delivery: Pathways for Sustainable Growth and Inclusive Development.”

The conference, officiated by His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, has brought together 116 local authorities from across the nation, along with representatives from the private sector and civil society. It has created a vibrant platform for dialogue around innovative financing mechanisms and enhanced service delivery strategies.

With WASH financing at the heart of our advocacy and influencing agenda, our Country Director, Yankho Mataya, shared a compelling overview of WaterAid Zambia’s impact in the WASH sector. She then presented a letter with evidence on the current profile of WASH financing and strategic policy pointers on how the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) can be leveraged to advance WASH initiatives—ultimately safeguarding public health and enhancing the quality of life for all Zambians.

During the conference, WaterAid will showcase key findings from a recent study on the utilization of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), highlighting opportunities to optimize its use for advancing WASH initiatives. We will also engage in several strategic dialogues and panel discussions aimed at strengthening the role of CDF in financing water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

WaterAid Zambia reaffirms its commitment to collaborate closely with all 116 local authorities and our partner, LGAZ, to ensure WASH is prioritized within the CDF framework. Together, we can build healthier, more resilient communities driven by inclusive and sustainable development.

COURTESY VISIT BY SULZER ZAMBIA AHEAD OF HER WASH FACILITY HANDOVER IN NKEYEMAWe were delighted to welcome Ms. Emma and ...
21/07/2025

COURTESY VISIT BY SULZER ZAMBIA AHEAD OF HER WASH FACILITY HANDOVER IN NKEYEMA

We were delighted to welcome Ms. Emma and Ms. Dorothy from the Sulzer Zambia Country Office to WaterAid Zambia this morning for a courtesy visit ahead of the upcoming handover of permanent handwashing facilities in schools in Nkeyema District, scheduled for Tuesday, 22nd July 2025.

The team was received by our Country Director Yankho Mataya, Head of Programmes, Bernard Omari, Head of Advocacy, Communications and Campaigns, Eddy Chikuta, and Hygiene Officer, Kachusha Nkosha.

Over the past two years, with Sulzer’s support, WaterAid Zambia has been implementing the Healthy Empowered and Resilient (HER WASH) Project in Lusaka and Nkeyema. This project has contributed to creating safer and healthier school environments through the provision of handwashing facilities, hygiene behaviour change interventions, and menstrual hygiene management support, empowering learners to thrive in dignity and good health.

14/07/2025

𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝘆𝗴𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮

WaterAid Zambia is proud to support the National Hand Hygiene for All Roadmap Validation Workshop alongside the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation and UNICEF. This workshop is a key step toward making hand hygiene a national development priority.

The session brought together ministries (Health, Education, Labour), civil society, private sector, innovators, and development partners to review and validate the 2030 Hand Hygiene Roadmap, aligning emergency responses like COVID-19 with Zambia’s long-term WASH and health goals.

Clean hands save lives, and this roadmap is our collective commitment to action.

Watch the highlight video for key reflections from the workshop.

WATER & SANITATION SECTOR PERFORMANCE DECLINE IN 2024Last week, WaterAid Zambia, as part of the Zambia NGO WASH Forum, l...
09/07/2025

WATER & SANITATION SECTOR PERFORMANCE DECLINE IN 2024

Last week, WaterAid Zambia, as part of the Zambia NGO WASH Forum, led a delegation to the Planning and Budgeting Parliamentary Committee to present critical findings from the 2024 8NDP Annual Progress Report.

The Forum raised concern over the decline in WASH sector performance:

💧Only 58% of planned WASH outputs were achieved (down from 72% in 2023)

💧 Just 45% of the allocated WASH budget was disbursed (compared to 60% in 2023)

💧 Access to improved sanitation reached only 43% of the population

💧 CDF-funded water infrastructure projects dropped by 30% – with only 25 boreholes drilled

💧 Only 18% of CDF projects were WASH-related in 2024 (down from 35% in 2023)

The delegation, led by our Head of Advocacy Communications and Campagins, Eddie Chikuta, called for:
✅ Increased and timely WASH budget disbursement
✅ Prioritization of WASH in CDF investments
✅ Stronger climate and epidemic preparedness
✅ Greater support to water user associations and NRM-WASH initiatives

We thank Hon. Fred Chaatila, Chairperson of the Committee, for acknowledging the Forum’s role in championing accountability and amplifying community needs.

WaterAid Zambia remains committed to ensuring that every Zambian has access to clean water, decent sanitation, and hygiene.

That face you make when someone says, “I washed my hands... yesterday.” 😬🖐️Let’s be real, germs don’t take breaks.Clean ...
01/07/2025

That face you make when someone says, “I washed my hands... yesterday.” 😬🖐️

Let’s be real, germs don’t take breaks.

Clean hands save lives, every day.

📷 : Youth WASH ambassador club- YWAC

𝐀 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧Siakasipa Health Facility | 24 June 2025Last week, WaterAid Zambia had t...
30/06/2025

𝐀 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

Siakasipa Health Facility | 24 June 2025

Last week, WaterAid Zambia had the honour of hosting the Head of the Canadian High Commission in Zambia at Siakasipa Health Facility in Kazungula District. The visit served as an opportunity to showcase progress made under the WASH in Healthcare Facilities (HCFs) project, and to demonstrate how targeted investments can spark broader change when anchored in strong partnerships and government leadership.

The visit was a proud moment for WaterAid Zambia, not only as a reflection of what has been achieved at Siakasipa, but also as a testament to the power of systems strengthening through collaborative engagement. The project’s success was made possible by the close coordination and commitment of the Provincial Administration, the Provincial Health Director’s Office, and the Kazungula District leadership, all of whom were present to receive the visiting dignitary.

Her Worship the Council Chairperson, Mbozi Tatila, joined by the Director of Health Services and the Acting Council Secretary, warmly welcomed the delegation. Speaking on behalf of the district, the Chairperson expressed gratitude for WaterAid’s work, noting that the intervention at Siakasipa had not only improved services but also inspired further investment by both government and other cooperating partners.

WaterAid Zambia’s Country Director, Yankho Mataya, reaffirmed the organisation’s approach to working in close collaboration with government stakeholders to deliver sustainable WASH solutions. She emphasised that such partnerships are key to fostering local ownership and lasting impact.

The Head of Mission, Corry vanGaal expressed deep appreciation for the work done, particularly the heartfelt endorsements from district stakeholders, clear evidence of local ownership and commitment. She was especially pleased to learn that the district had procured equipment for the maternity annex constructed by WaterAid, reinforcing the value of shared responsibility and mutual support.

This successful visit comes at a pivotal time, as WaterAid Zambia embarks on a new seven-year journey through the SWISH Project (Strengthening Wholistic and Inclusive Systems for Health), a systems strengthening initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC). The project aims to integrate WASH into health outcomes through prevention, inclusion, and women’s empowerment.

This visit marks the beginning of deeper collaboration and renewed momentum to strengthen health systems across Zambia, one facility, one partnership at a time.

Clean water is the foundation for good health and a life full of opportunity - something our partners at Liquid I.V. kno...
27/06/2025

Clean water is the foundation for good health and a life full of opportunity - something our partners at Liquid I.V. know only too well 💧

We're working together with a community in Mazabuka to provide over 9,000 people with clean water by the end of 2025.

That means passionate community volunteers like Judith will have all the tools she needs to ensure her neighbours can practice good hygiene habits, stay healthy and thrive.

We can't wait to bring you updates on this project later in the year.

A huge thank you to Liquid I.V. for making this work possible 🙌

Credit:

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲  — 𝗔 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻In June 2022, Febby Siang’ambwa worked as a cleaner at Siakasipa Rural H...
26/06/2025

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 — 𝗔 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

In June 2022, Febby Siang’ambwa worked as a cleaner at Siakasipa Rural Health Facility in Kazungula District. The facility had no running water, no inclusive toilets, and relied on a dilapidated incinerator. Keeping the space clean and safe was an uphill battle.

Three years later, in June 2025, Siakasipa tells a different story.

Through the Resolution to Revolution (R2R) project, WaterAid Zambia supported a full transformation of the facility:
✅ A new maternity annex
✅ Inclusive ablution block
✅ Solar-powered water supply system
✅ Placenta pit, incinerator & ash pit
✅ Two 10,000L storage tanks
✅ Staff and community training for sustainability

"Now, I work in a clean and safe place. It’s not just easier, it’s something to be proud of,” says Febby.

This is what lasting impact looks like. Not just better buildings, but better lives.

𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐀𝐢𝐝 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐌𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐀𝐢𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚  𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐠𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥As part of the global My WaterAid We...
20/06/2025

𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐀𝐢𝐝 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐌𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐀𝐢𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐠𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

As part of the global My WaterAid Week celebrations, WaterAid Zambia spent part of Friday morning at Ngwelele Primary School in Lusaka to reflect on the organization’s core values of Accountability and Courage and to reaffirm its commitment to delivering clean water, decent sanitation, and good hygiene to everyone, everywhere.

The visit included a symbolic water walk, remarks from both learners and leaders, and a tour of the upgraded school facilities, which include a permanent handwashing station, a newly renovated ablution block, and a 10,000-litre water storage tank that WaterAid had installed at the school some time ago. These facilities were formally handed over to the school in April 2025, alongside similar improvements at nine other schools across Lusaka District.

Speaking to learners and staff, WaterAid Zambia Country Director Ms. Yankho Mataya emphasized that WaterAid’s mission is driven by its values and inspired by the potential of young people.

“We value people because of the work of bringing safe water, sanitation, and good hygiene,” she said.

“And we particularly value young people like yourselves because by giving you the right learning environment, we believe you can excel and become leaders of change yourselves.”

Ms. Mataya also stressed the importance of accountability, urging learners to care for the facilities provided:

“Now that the water, the handwashing facility, and the toilets are here, the responsibility has returned to the school. Accountability now means taking care of what we’ve built together.”

In her welcome speech, Acting Head Teacher Madam Josephine Sampa expressed deep appreciation for the support from WaterAid Zambia and reiterated the positive transformation the school has experienced.

“Your support has transformed our school, not just physically, but emotionally and socially. Our learners now understand hygiene, can access clean toilets, and learn in a safe environment,” she said. “Before, many girls would miss school during their periods. But today, thanks to the new facilities, they can manage their menstruation with dignity and remain in class.”

The visit to Ngwelele was part of WaterAid Zambia’s internal activities to celebrate My WaterAid Week 2025 under the global theme “Be the Voice!”, a week designed to inspire staff across the WaterAid federation to reflect on the values that shape their work and amplify the voices of those they serve.

WaterAid Zambia remains committed to ensuring that every child in Zambia has access to safe water, dignified sanitation, and a learning environment where they can thrive.

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