𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐳𝐨𝐯𝐮 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐀 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

Date: 3 November, 2025

Today, the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu, MP, hosted a Donor Coordination Meeting at WARMA Headquarters in Lusaka, bringing together development partners such as the World Bank, Lead Cooperating Partner, NGO WASH, and other stakeholders.

Hon. Nzovu highlighted that 2025 has seen significant progress in Zambia’s water sector, including the advanced review of the Water Resources Management Act No. 21 of 2011. He noted that the validation process has been completed, and a layman’s draft submitted to the Ministry of Justice for final review.

The Minister emphasized that the proposed amendments aim to improve business efficiency by reducing permitting periods. They also enhance resource protection by strengthening penalties for illegal abstraction and pollution and align national practices with international governance standards. These reforms are critical to addressing challenges such as illegal mining while supporting agriculture, energy, and other water-dependent sectors.

Looking ahead, Hon. Nzovu outlined the key pillars of the 2026 National Budget, highlighting water infrastructure development, which includes the construction and rehabilitation of 60 dams. He also emphasized service quality and efficiency, focusing on the expansion of piped water services. Additionally, data, research, and resource mapping will be prioritized, including comprehensive groundwater exploration and aquifer mapping programmes. He noted that sustainable water delivery relies on strong institutions supported by sound financing from both Government and development partners.

WARMA remains committed to a sustainable and water-secure Zambia by supporting government policies, strengthening governance, and ensuring that water resources are managed efficiently and equitably while protecting the country’s aquatic ecosystems.