• The Programme is expected to create around 1 million jobs.
• Its overall objective is to enhance job creation through gender sensitive investments in water.
• The 10th ZAWAFE and launch of the ZIP will be held from 14th to 16th July 2022.

Government says it has developed the Zambia Water Investment Programme (ZIP) for the period 2022 to 2030 which aims to leverage US$5.75 billion for investment in the water sector and is expected to create around 1 million jobs.
Speaking during a media breakfast meeting ahead of the 10th Zambia Water Forum Exhibition (ZAWAFE) and launch of the ZIP, Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation Permanent Secretary Joe Kalusa said the programme’s overall objective is to enhance job creation through gender sensitive investments in water, security, industrialization and climate resilient development.
Mr. Kalusa said government is working to ensure that there is adequate water resource availability for economic transformation and job creation as well as building resilience against water related hazards and impacts of climate change.
“The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation and its stakeholders has developed the Zambia Water Investment Programme for the period 2022 to 2030 and ZAWAFE, in collaboration with Global Water Partnership Southern Africa, played a critical role in developing this programme. The programme aims to leverage US$5.75 billion for investment in the water sector and is expected to create around 1 million jobs, 200, 000 direct and 800, 000 indirect jobs.”
“The strategic approach for the ZIP will comprise catalyzing leadership, financing and investments, mobilizing partnerships for water governance, gender transformation and climate resilience, and accelerating preparation for projects, project financing and implementation,” Mr. Kalusa stated.
He added that government is also committed to increasing access to clean and safe drinking water and sanitation services in the country.
“There is greater need more than ever for the water sector to develop innovations that will be s spring board for the accelerated development for the sector as inch closer towards 2030.”
“It is my hope that the 10th Water Forum and Exhibition yet again will be graced by the ZAWAFE Patron her Honour the Vice President of the Republic of Zambia Mrs. Mutale Nalumango,” he added.
Mr. Kalusa said this in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry’s Director for Planning and Information Luis Mwansa.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kalusa challenged the media in the country to ensure that information on water and sanitation is adequately disseminated, while highlighting problems the sector is facing so as to help government forge towards a greater call for collaborative action in the industry.
Speaking at the same event, ZAWAFE Chairperson Professor Imasiku Nyambe said the Forum provides a platform to discuss, share knowledge as well as ideas and experiences on water and sanitation and try to find solutions because water is at the centre of any economic development and life.
Professor Imasiku added that the Forum will bring together various experts, institutions and stakeholders from within Zambia and the SADC region to share knowledge with regards to water resource management and development.
The 10th ZAWAFE and launch of the Zambia Water Investment Programme will be held from 14th to 16th July 2022, under the theme; Transforming the Investment Outlook for Water Development, Sanitation in Zambia and Africa at large,” and is expected to be graced by President Hakainde Hichilema on the sidelines of the African Union summit in Lusaka.