We’re far from accessing clean water - Bishop Chama

We’re far from accessing clean water - Bishop Chama
By Ernest Chanda
Wed 23 Mar. 2011, 04:00 CAT

MPIKA Catholic diocese Archbishop Ignatius Chama says Zambia is very far from reaching the required percentages of clean water provision.

In an interview in commemoration of the World Water Day which fell yesterday, Bishop Chama said the fact that the country commemorated the day every year meant that very little had been done in providing the commodity to the masses.

“I think it is a song that has been sang many times. And the fact that we participate in commemorating the World Water Day means that we are very far from reaching the required levels,” Bishop Chama said.

“It is an issue that requires serious concern by those responsible because water deals with life. As the situation stands, we are still very far from accessing clean and safe drinking water in this country.”
Bishop Chama called for concerted efforts to ensure that everyone in society accessed clean water.

“I am appealing to those in the opposition as well, let them join in and help provide clean water to our communities. In our culture, whenever a lion attacked a community there was no separation. People fought as a community to ensure that everyone’s life was protected. There was no difference between clans and tribes, but they all confronted the common enemy which is the lion and killed it,” said Bishop Chama.

“Equally now, let all our leaders, both opposition and government sit together and resolve water problems among our people.”

On Monday, Earth Organisation executive director Lovemore Muma said it was impossible for any country to reach socio-economic development without good quality water.

Muma stated that it was important for governments, especially in Africa to give priority to the preservation and good management of water as they planned for social and economic development, whether they were focusing on health and education development or on agricultural and industrial development.

And WaterAid Zambia urged governments across the world to prioritise provision of clean water and sanitation services.

Country representative Paul Kapotwe stated that water and sanitation services should be provided in line with the world population demands.

“With a rapidly growing urban population lacking clean water and toilets, the developing world is facing a massive public health crisis. One of the biggest challenges facing the developing world is the rate of urbanisation,” said Kapotwe.