Impact and Partnership: Ensuring Clean Water in Zambia
Access to clean, reliable water is central to the health and future of communities in Zambia. World Vision Zambia focuses on ensuring that the water systems installed are sustainable and keep working for years to come. This is essential, especially when dealing with tough operational environments.
World Vision Zambia recently strengthened a key relationship with Professional Insurance Corporation Zambia (PICZ). The signed formal Service Level Agreement ensures that the water systems built are protected and fixed quickly if they break down. This is a crucial step for long-term sustainability.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, World Vision Zambia National Director, Mr. Marc Nosbach, highlighted the progress made since 2021.
"We have reached 968,000 people with clean water, improved sanitation for over 1.3 million people, and provided dignified hygiene services to 1.2 million people," says Mr. Nosbach.
This success has been achieved through considerable effort.
"This has been achieved through drilling and rehabilitating 1,553 hand pumps and installing 517 solar-powered piped water schemes, delivering over 15,500 tap stands across the country," he says.
The challenge is not just building a system, but making sure the water keeps flowing. Mr. Nosbach emphasisedthat sustainability is key. He noted the community's embrace of the model:
"Currently, 208 water systems are insured with PICZ, and over 100 water point committees are in the process of securing coverage." This shows they are taking ownership.
The new agreement will help World Vision Zambia act fast when a system breaks down. It speeds up the claims process, meaning less 'downtime' and ensuring communities do not go without water for long periods.
He further noted that the agreement will enhance efficiency in claim handling, reducing downtime when water systems break down.
"Water infrastructure sustainability is not only a necessity, but it is also a shared responsibility. Together, we can ensure reliable access to clean water, strengthen climate resilience, and empower communities to thrive," he says.
The Managing Director of PICZ, Mr. Moses Siame, confirmed his company’s commitment to providing excellent service. He shared the company’s intent to be a long-term partner:
"Our company is ready for this partnership... One of the pillars that we are looking at and hope we can partner further beyond insurance is to work on projects jointly in the future, so we are not only here to take the premiums away, we pledge our best service to World Vision."
Looking ahead, we aim to reach 700,000 more people with clean water by 2030, which means building over 1,150 new water systems. Partnerships like this one with PICZ are what make these ambitious goals achievable.