News provided by
European External Action

04 Dec, 2024, 03:33 ET

BRUSSELS, 03 December 2024 / PRN Africa / -- The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation (MWDS), with support from the European Union’s Green Nexus Programme, has today launched the country’s first ever National Rainwater Harvesting Strategy, a significant step towards a more water secure Zambia. The Green Nexus Programme is part of the EU's Global Gateway Strategy which aims to contribute towards a sustainable and resilient future for Zambia.

Following the declaration of the drought during the 2023/2024 rainy season as a national emergency by the Republican President, His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation (MWDS) initiated the development of Zambia's first National Rainwater Harvesting Strategy and Implementation Plan aimed at addressing a major challenge of the water sector – the lack of water security, which has profound implications for both food and energy security in Zambia.

“The launch of the National Rainwater Harvesting Strategy and its Implementation Plan will enhance overall water security that will benefit various water users and build resilience against climate shocks in Zambia as a whole,” stated the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu, MP. “Specifically, the Strategy will establish water harvesting mechanisms to enable irrigation development that will stimulate agricultural production.”

Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable and innovative solution for capturing and storing water from rainfall, which can then be used for agriculture, sanitation, industrial use and even for drinking. Further, rainwater harvesting enhances resilience to climate variability and ensures that communities have access to water even during droughts or times of irregular rainfall.

"Rainwater harvesting presents a unique opportunity towards building climate resilience of ecosystems, food security and sustainable livelihoods for people in Zambia," stated Claudio Bacigalupi, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Zambia and COMESA. “As Team Europe we come together to promote and facilitate partnerships and investments in green recovery and sustainable growth through sustainable land use and natural resource management across various sectors in line with Zambia’s development agenda.”

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SOURCE European External Action