Zimbabwe, World Vision Unveil USD 51 Million WASH Plan

Itai Mazire

Government, in partnership with World Vision, yesterday launched a USD 51 million Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) business plan aimed at expanding access to safe and reliable services across the country.

The five-year initiative, set to run from 2026 to 2030, is expected to support at least 500 000 people with adaptive and climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions, marking a major step towards building a healthier and more sustainable future for Zimbabwe.

Director of the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Coordination Department in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mr Nesbert Shirihuru, stressed government’s strong support, noting the plan’s clear alignment with Vision 2030.

“The investment comes at a crucial time, addressing needs in rural areas where only 54 percent of the population has access to safely managed drinking water,” said Mr Shirihuru.

This initiative is hinged on World Vision’s global strategy, Mapping the Blue Thread, which focuses on accelerating access, demonstrating measurable impact, and achieving system-wide change through partnerships.

Speaking at the launch, World Vision Zimbabwe National Director, Assan Golowa, said the initiative was set to improve the welfare of the local populace.

“At the heart of this plan is collaboration working with government, partners, and communities to build lasting, inclusive, and resilient WASH services.

This is not just about delivering infrastructure; it is about improving health, protecting dignity, and empowering women and girls in every community we serve,” said Golowa.

The plan directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and supports Zimbabwe’s national development priorities for improved health, climate resilience, and social well-being.

World Vision Zimbabwe Advisory Board Chairperson, Dr Tafadzwa Matsika, implored the need for communities to be empowered under such initiatives.

“We need to have a mindset shift.
The water sector and villages will follow, as all means of life go in to get the water and that is what we call sustainability.

Let us take ownership and make these developmental programmes truly ours,” he stated.

The strategy outlines several key priorities designed for maximum sustainability and localized impact:

Sustainable Water Systems: Introducing innovative financing, such as water system insurance and long-term maintenance models, to keep water flowing for years.

Innovative Sanitation: Implementing solutions like mobile sanitation market fairs to strengthen local supply chains and make latrines more accessible and affordable.

Gender-Transformative Programming: Ensuring the plan empowers women and girls to lead hygiene and water management efforts, acknowledging their primary role in water security.

Water Security and Resilience: Protecting natural resources through watershed management and environmental stewardship in selected catchment areas to safeguard future supply.

Data-Driven Targeting: Using localized data to ensure investments are effective and respond precisely to the unique needs of each community.

The launch saw participation and commitment from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, alongside a broad coalition of financial and development partners who bring essential funding, technical assistance, and global best practices, as well as other peer organizations.

UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) were cited as strategic partners with whom World Vision will collaborate to ensure every child in programme areas has access to life-saving WASH services, including full coverage in schools and health centres.

World Vision is actively inviting government ministries, private sector players, churches, and community leadership structures to collaborate across the WASH sector and related areas such as education, health, and child protection, emphasizing that partnership is the key to achieving national scale.