Government Elated by Quality of WASH and Health Infrastructure Delivered by World Vision Zambia
Residents of Nyimba District gathered in celebration on May 14, 2025, as World Vision Zambia officially handed over a maternity annex and transformative water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure projects, marking a significant step forward in community development and public health.
The handover ceremony, graced by government officials, traditional leaders, and community members, featured a keynote address by Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Lewis Mwape, who represented the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Hon. Collins Nzovu. In his remarks, the Minister commended the quality and sustainability of the projects.
“World Vision Zambia’s efforts have made a tremendous impact and brought joy and hope in our communities,” said Hon. Nzovu. “I implore all stakeholders to emulate and adopt the infrastructure designs used here to ensure long-lasting benefits for our people.”
Chief Ndake of the Nsenga-speaking people expressed heartfelt gratitude.
“These projects have transformed our community’s access to clean water and healthcare. I encourage my subjects to take good care of this infrastructure, so it continues to serve us for many years.”
World Vision Zambia has also invested in community empowerment, training over 2,500 residents in health, water management, and agriculture since 2024. The distribution of 87 bicycles to community volunteers aims to strengthen referral systems and promote early health-seeking behaviours.
In response to climate challenges, including recent El Niño-induced droughts, the organization has provided emergency water access and supported nutrition through backyard gardens in Ndake Chiefdom.
World Vision Zambia National Director Mr. Marc Nosbach reaffirmed the organisation’s enduring commitment to Zambia’s most vulnerable children and their families.
“For over 44 years, World Vision Zambia has remained committed to working with the most vulnerable populations, partnering with communities like yours to ensure that millions, especially children, have access to basic health, clean water, and social services,” said Mr. Nosbach. “After the government, World Vision Zambia stands as one of the largest non-governmental providers of clean water across the country.”
The newly commissioned infrastructure includes a maternity annex, incinerator, and ablution blocks at Mawanda Rural Health Centre, along with six solar-powered mechanised water systems, 21 hand pumps, and 11 mini-mechanised water systems. These projects, valued at over ZMW 13 million, are expected to benefit more than 17,400 residents in Nyimba District.
The initiative is part of World Vision Zambia’s broader 2021–2025 strategy to improve the well-being of 1.5 million children through enhanced WASH and health services. Mr. Nosbach emphasized the tangible health and economic benefits of the projects, noting reductions in child morbidity and mortality, and improved access to water for agriculture and small businesses.
The ceremony also recognized similar infrastructure developments recently completed in Kasenengwa District, where nine mechanised water systems, eight ablution blocks, and a maternity annex were handed over to communities under Chiefs Madzimawe, Nzamane, and Mishoro.
“Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires partnership,” Mr. Nosbach concluded. “We look forward to further collaboration, especially through the Constituency Development Fund, to expand water, sanitation, and health infrastructure.”
