In a concerted effort to fortify long-term access to clean water and sanitation, Water Aid Zambia and Monze District Council convened a two-day planning meeting aimed at developing a robust sustainability plan for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.

The initiative was supported by the ongoing Drought and Cholera Response Project and brought together technical experts, local authorities, and community representatives.

“This meeting was meant to ensure sustainability of the infrastructure being developed,” said Mr. Tassel Bulanda, Water Aid’s Southern Province Manager, as he officially closed the gathering.

He emphasized the significance of embedding community voices into the sustainability roadmap, which is expected to guide activities into 2026 and serve as a tool for lobbying and resource mobilization.

Mr. Bulanda noted that the plan would utilize both local authority funds and support from cooperating partners within the district.

“It’s not just about technical input. We have engaged the communities to ensure their voices shape this document. It’s a tool for collective accountability and sustainability,” he said.

And Mr. Bulanda explained Water Aid’s contributions in Monze District have included the construction of more than 31 water networks, maternity annexes, and numerous hand washing facilities.

He said the installations which are now under the stewardship of communities and the local authority, underscore a shift toward local ownership and sustained engagement.

“We are Constructing a new water network with three water kiosks under the Drought and Cholera Response Project at Bbolomani, well upgrades at Manungu, Makonka and Mulongalwili Health Centres, with solar-powered piped water systems, modern ablution blocks, and handwashing stations will also be done.”

Another core component across all sites involves hygiene promotion and the training of WASH Committees to strengthen maintenance, awareness, and sustainability practices.

He further said Water Aid Zambia envisions that the success of the sustainability planning model will serve as a blueprint for replication across other districts.

He said the he initiative represents a strategic step forward in strengthening rural public health and infrastructure resilience in the face of climate shocks and disease outbreaks.

The meeting was attended by stakeholders from World Vision, Southern Water and Sewerage Company (SWASCO), the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) office, the local authority, and other community-based partners.