National Water Supply and Sanitation Policy 2020.

This National Water Supply and Sanitation Policy is a sectoral document aiming at (i) accelerating universal access to clean and safe water and adequate sanitation in Zambia; (ii) guiding the development and implementation of national strategies and programmes to achieve improved water supply and sanitation. In this regard, the document outlines Government's priorities in undertaking water supply and sanitation programmes that include institutional and legal framework, sector coordination and management, infrastructure development and technological options, governance, behaviour change communication and awareness, financing and investment as well as strengthening and mainstreaming of cross cutting issues into various programs.
Key objectives set out by the Policy are (i) provide the legal and institutional framework for efficient, effective and sustainable WSS service delivery; (ii) strengthen and implement effective coordination and management systems that are accountable and responsive; (iii) optimize governance structures and guidelines for WSS services for enhanced and sustainable service delivery; (iv) implement strategies for development, maintenance, rehabilitation, modernization, expansion and operation of infrastructure for WSS with appropriate technology; (v) provide a framework for improved resource planning, mobilization, utilization and reporting for sustainable and equitable WSS service delivery; (vi) improve public awareness and stakeholder participation in WSS matters and hygiene promotion as well as sustainable use of natural resources. The document includes several cross-cutting issues aiming to integrate governance, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), gender, disability, special groups, nutrition, environment, climate change, water security and disaster risk management in all WSS programs and activities to ensure equity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.
The government’s role in water supply and sanitation (WSS) is to establish clear policies, regulations, and institutional arrangements to coordinate national efforts, aiming for universal access by 2030. This includes implementing the National Urban and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programmes, aligned with SDGs and supported by advisory groups and technical committees for efficient service delivery and sector coordination.