Government through the Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Mrs Doreen Mwamba, has expressed gratitude to the Japanese Government for its continued support towards Zambia’s socio-economic development.
Ms. Mwamba was speaking when she officiated at the signing ceremony of a grant contract between the Embassy of Japan in Zambia and the Youth Development Organisation for the implementation of a borehole construction project in Kazungula District, Southern Province.
The grant, valued at US$83,168 , will finance the construction of boreholes equipped with solar-powered pumping systems in four villages namely, Siyandwa, Takayasiki, Musokotwane and Ndulubila located in the chiefdoms of Sekute and Musokotwane.
The Minister stated that the District faces critical challenges related to access to clean water, resulting in dehydration-related losses of livestock and threatening household livelihoods and food security.
She further highlighted the burden placed on women and girls as a result of travelling long distancess in search of water, leading to school absenteeism, increased vulnerability, early marriages and pregnancies.
Ms. Mwamba emphasized that the project will significantly improve access to clean and reliable water, enhance household welfare, support livestock rearing and small-scale farming activities, and promote dignity, safety and gender equality within the beneficiary communities.
She commended the Youth Development Organisation for its commitment to community development and acknowledged the vital role of traditional leaders in ensuring community ownership and sustainability of the project.
And Japanese Ambassador to Zambia, Mr Mikami Akiteri, said the impact of the project goes beyond improving water supply.
Mr. Akiteri further stated that the initiative aligns with Japan’s development policy for Zambia, which focuses on improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers, diversifying crops, and strengthening basic living infrastructure.
He further emphasized that the project represents survival and dignity for communities by securing livelihoods, supporting children’s education, and safeguarding public health.
Meanwhile, Youth Development Organization Executive Director, Partner Siabutuba, says the project is expected to benefit more than 12- thousand villagers by improving access to clean and reliable water.
He explained that the long and unsafe journeys to fetch water have made women and girls vulnerable, contributing to teenage pregnancies, and negatively affected school attendance.
Also in attendance were the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Gift Sialubalo, and the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Mr. Collins Nzovu, both of whom are key stakeholders in advancing holistic and sustainable community development.
