Launch of Lusaka Water Security Initiative

Lusaka's demand for water, estimated to be over 600,000m3 per day, significantly outstrips supply from the Kafue River and groundwater. The multitude and complexity of threats to Lusaka’s water security cut across a broad range of roles and responsibilities. No one actor or one sector has the ability or mandate to address the drivers of water insecurity alone.PPHPZ participated in the preparatory and strategic session for the initiative

The Zambia Homeless and Poor People’s Federation is part and parcel of the LuWSI platform. This is in view to build a community voice in development planning and implementation processes for holistic outcomes. Veronica Katulushi a slum dweller and a National Facilitator for the grassroots movement is part of the steering board on the LuWSI platform.

LuWSI Website

“It is high time that government and other stakeholders start recognising the importance and contributions that communities can bring to such a platform. Most of the water security issues that arise at community level are as a result of poor sanitation and poor solid waste management practices especially in our informal neighbourhoods. Most of us use pit latrines, which in turn pollute underground water, which is then tapped for use by local authorities. As a grassroots movement we are happy that stakeholders now see the value of including us in such decision-making processes." Veronica Katulushi - ZHPPF National Facilitator echoing the importance of the collaboration and community inclusion.

The Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) through the International Water Stewardship Programme (IWSP) has been established in the realization that one single actor cannot address the complexity of issues threatening water security. A creative and fundamental change is needed in the way in which we understand, respect and manage water - not just within one organisation or sector but across society at all levels. LuWSI is a multi-stakeholder partnership of public sector, private sector and civil society actors, with a series of accompanying projects to concretely improve water security. It creates a platform for dialogue, analysis, planning, coordination and action with the objective to improve water security for Lusaka’s residents and businesses. It brings together stakeholders from the fields of water supply and sanitation, water resources management and urban planning and the community in an effort to take a more holistic and coordinated approach to water security.

The Initiative seeks to achieve its objective by supporting its partners in:

• Assessing, prioritising and monitoring water security threats and solutions

• Creating awareness, education and advocacy for change

• Developing and implementing projects; mobilising new actors and resources

• Building capacity for improved collaboration

"Our federation has a membership of over 10,000 slum dwellers in Lusaka with over 48,000 across the country therefore, our strength at community level will help in creating awareness, education and advocacy for change and build good water stewards...The LuWSI platform is a right platform for diverse views and it has created a platform for mutual learning and strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration to safeguard Lusaka’s water resources while enhancing the sustainable and timely access to water and sanitation for all. “ - Veronica Katulushi

Appreciate

Credits:

Mayra Hartmann

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Launch of Lusaka Water Security Initiative

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