Clean Water, Safe Births, and Healthier Futures: Transforming Lives in Shamputa and Katukwe
By Njavwa Simukoko, Communications Specialist, Zambia
In the rural communities of Kapiri Mposhi, access to clean water and quality maternal health services has long been a daily struggle. For expectant mothers, health workers, learners, and families, limited Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure meant long walks to unsafe water sources, heightened risks of infection, and added pressure on already stretched health facilities.
That reality is now changing.
In February 2026, World Vision Zambia, in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Zambia and local communities, officially handed over critical WASH and Maternal and Child Health (MCH) infrastructure at Shamputa and Katukwe Health Facilities, investments that are now restoring dignity, strengthening health systems, and improving life for thousands.
Shamputa: Water That Brings Relief to an Entire Community
At Shamputa Health Facility, the mini launch marked the handover of a 20,000-litre mechanised water system and a modern ablution block. The facility now has reliable access to clean water, serving patients, health staff, the nearby market, and 338 learners at the local primary school.
For Wilson Muleya, a male member of the Safe Motherhood Action Group (SMAG), the transformation is deeply personal.
“Before this water system was installed, mothers and caregivers had to worry about where water would come from, especially during emergencies. Now, water is right here at the facility. This is a big relief for us as a community. It has brought dignity and confidence to the mothers we support,” he says.
While the infrastructure directly benefits facility users and learners, its impact extends far beyond. More than 7,000 indirect beneficiaries in Shamputa now experience improved hygiene, reduced risk of waterborne diseases, and more time for productive activities instead of walking long distances to fetch water.
Katukwe: Safe Births, Stronger Care, and Healthier Families
The main launch at Katukwe Health Facility, officiated by the Guest of Honour and attended by the local Member of Parliament and World Vision Zambia leadership, marked another milestone in strengthening rural healthcare.
Here, World Vision Zambia handed over:
- A newly constructed maternity annex
- A modern ablution block
- A 20,000-litre mechanised water system
For expectant mothers, the maternity annex means safe deliveries in a clean, hygienic environment. For health workers, it means improved infection prevention and better working conditions.
A volunteer nurse at the facility shared how the investment has changed daily operations:
“Having running water at the facility has made our work much easier. We can maintain proper hygiene standards during deliveries and patient care. It reduces stress for us as health workers and gives mothers greater confidence in the services we provide.”
The Katukwe facility directly supports surrounding schools and households, while indirectly improving the lives of over 9,000 people in the catchment area.
Beyond Infrastructure: Education, Health, and Opportunity
A reliable water supply means learners, especially girls, can manage their hygiene with dignity and stay in school. It means reduced cases of cholera and other preventable diseases. It means households spend less time fetching water and more time on farming, business, and family life.
With a total investment of over ZMW 5.6 million, these projects reflect the power of partnership and shared responsibility. They contribute directly to national development priorities and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
A Ripple Effect for Generations
For the communities of Shamputa and Katukwe, these are not just water systems or buildings. They are safer births. Healthier children. Empowered health workers. Stronger schools.
They are investments in dignity, and in the future of every child.
Through partnership with government, community structures, SMAG members, and health workers, World Vision Zambia continues to help ensure that every child experiences life in all its fullness.