Govt asks for chiefs’ help
By JACKSON MAPAPAYI
WATER Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection Permanent Secretary, Joe Kalusa has appealed to traditional leaders to aid government in delivering clean and safe water and good sanitation services to people in rural areas.
Mr Kalusa said this is because chiefs play a critical role in fostering of national development.
“And Government will always recognise their significance role they play in matters of development,” said Mr. Kalusa.
Mr Kalusa was speaking when he called on Senior Chief Kaningesha Chief Chibwika of the Lunda people of Mwinilunga.
Mr Kalusa hinted to the two traditional leaders that Government has set aside resources in this year’s national budget for investment in the water supply and good sanitation for rural areas.
He said the programme will be rolled out in form of sinking of boreholes as well as construction of infrastructure for sanitation services.
And in his remarks, Chief Chibwika noted that safe and clean water supply and good sanitation stand at the heart of human development.
He explained that his chiefdom looks forward to working with the government in actualizing this in Chibwika area.
He said mechanised water supply should be encouraged even in rural areas if waterborne diseases outbreaks are to be contained.
He said Government must therefore work with traditional authorities, such as his, which are already implementing localized development plans.
