ZIMBABWE LEANS ON ZAMBIA’S WATER MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE

By Enia Dube

A high-level delegation from Zimbabwe’s City of Bulawayo has visited the Lusaka Water and Sanitation Company in Zambia, seeking to strengthen its water and sanitation sector through lessons drawn from Zambia’s successful reforms.

The delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon Albert Mavhunga, aims to improve accountability, technical capacity, and financial sustainability in water supply and sanitation.

The visit reflects the strong and enduring relations between Zambia and Zimbabwe, ties that were recently reaffirmed by the historic visit of Zambian President H. Hichilema to Zimbabwe.

“Our visit today is not only about technical exchange but also a reflection of the strong and enduring relations between Zambia and Zimbabwe,” said Hon Mavhunga.

“We are here because Zambia has demonstrated commendable leadership in establishing water utilities such as the Lusaka Water and Sanitation Company, an approach that resonates with the model the City of Bulawayo intends to adopt.”

The delegation is seeking to understand the governance structure of Lusaka Water and Sanitation Company, the regulatory role of NAWSCO, and the government’s role in guiding and supporting water and sanitation.

Zimbabwe is implementing a policy direction to transform urban water service delivery through corporation, following challenges faced by local authorities in meeting their mandates.

The City of Bulawayo’s proposed utility model aims to strike a balance between financial viability and public accountability, ensuring that water remains accessible and affordable, particularly for vulnerable communities.

The delegation hopes to learn from Zambia’s experience in areas such as governance frameworks, asset ownership, financing, and maintenance strategies.

“We believe that this exchange will not only strengthen our understanding but also foster collaboration between our two countries in advancing water and sanitation services for our citizens,” said Hon Mavhunga.

The visit is a priority driven by President Dr. ED Mnangagwa’s emphasis on building the nation through its own people.