Zimbabwe has called for faster delivery of safe water and sanitation services as climate variability, population growth and ageing infrastructure continue to put pressure on the country’s water systems.
Speaking at the technical opening, Director of Water in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Eng. Gilbert Mawere, who represented Permanent Secretary Prof. Dr. Obert Jiri, said water and sanitation planning must be linked to agriculture and food security.
“Water security and WASH service delivery cannot be planned in isolation from each other, nor from agriculture and food security. They are one and the same national imperative.”
The three-day Indaba brings together Government, local authorities, development partners, academia, the private sector, civil society and communities to review progress in the water and sanitation sector and identify gaps requiring action.
Discussions are focusing on safe water and sanitation, climate-resilient water systems, water for food production and irrigation, hygiene and school WASH, renewable energy for water infrastructure, governance, and wastewater treatment and reuse.
The meeting is also providing a platform for women, young people and communities to contribute to discussions on water and sanitation services.
Government is calling for greater use of evidence, stronger coordination between institutions and the implementation of recommendations emerging from the sector review.
The Indaba is expected to run for three days in Bulawayo.
