Access to clean water and sanitation plays a vital role in reducing poverty and creating economic opportunities. Across Zambia, the government and international organizations invest in clean water projects that help communities build healthier, more sustainable futures.

Many Zambian families continue to face challenges accessing safe water and sanitation, particularly those living in rural and low-income communities. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that 27% of households lack basic water access, while 63% lack basic sanitation and 82% do not have basic hygiene facilities. Among the poorest fifth of households, that gap widens further, with 60% lacking access to even a basic water service. Families without reliable water often spend hours collecting it each day, reducing time for work and income-generating activities while increasing the risk of preventable diseases that place additional financial strain on households. These barriers can make it more difficult for families to escape poverty.

The government of Zambia has made improving water and sanitation a national priority through partnerships with organizations such as the World Bank and UNICEF. These collaborations focus on expanding water infrastructure, strengthening sanitation services and improving hygiene practices to support healthier communities and long-term economic development.

The Lusaka Sanitation Project

One of the country’s largest initiatives, the World Bank-supported Lusaka Sanitation Project, has delivered measurable improvements. Between 2015 and 2024, the project benefited more than 345,000 people, surpassing its original target of 305,000 beneficiaries. The project also ensured that women accounted for 50% of those served, demonstrating its commitment to inclusive development.

The project expanded access to sanitation through significant infrastructure improvements. It constructed more than 2,200 new household sewer connections, rehabilitated and built 117 kilometers of sewer lines and provided more than 81,000 people with improved sanitation facilities. Nearly 264,000 additional residents gained access to improved fecal sludge management services, helping reduce exposure to waterborne diseases while creating cleaner neighborhoods.

These improvements also support economic growth by reducing the financial burden that preventable diseases place on families and businesses. Healthier communities experience fewer illnesses, allowing adults to spend more time working and earning an income instead of caring for sick family members. The World Bank estimates that inadequate sanitation previously cost Zambia approximately 1.3% of its gross domestic product each year, demonstrating how investments in modern sanitation infrastructure can improve both public health and economic productivity.

UNICEF and WaterAid Contributions

UNICEF continues to complement infrastructure investments by supporting water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs across Zambia. The organization works with the government and local partners to improve access to safe water in health facilities and schools while promoting hygiene education that helps prevent diseases such as cholera and diarrhea. UNICEF also supports climate-resilient water systems and emergency WASH responses that help vulnerable communities maintain access to safe water during disease outbreaks and extreme weather events. These efforts strengthen the long-term impact of new infrastructure while helping communities stay healthy.

WaterAid has worked in Zambia since 1994 to improve access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene in underserved communities. The organization partners with local governments and community leaders to develop sustainable water systems, strengthen sanitation services and promote hygiene education. Alongside infrastructure improvements, WaterAid helps communities manage and maintain new water systems so they continue serving families long after construction finishes. By reducing the time people spend collecting water and improving public health, these projects create more opportunities for education, employment and long-term economic development.

Conclusion

Clean water projects are doing more than improving public health across Zambia. Investments from the government of Zambia, the World Bank, UNICEF, WaterAid and local utilities are creating healthier communities while supporting economic opportunity and reducing poverty. As these partnerships continue expanding access to safe water and sanitation, Zambia is building a stronger foundation for sustainable development and long-term prosperity.

– Archie Monton-Black

Archie is based in Bedford, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr