By Staff Writer
Zambia has told the United Nation Water Conference participants that investments in climate resilient water storage infrastructure is crucial if the country is to attain national water security economic transformation, and the job creation agenda.
Deputy Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations, Ms Regina Boma Phiri, said this during the General Debate session on Water Investments to Support Economic Tranformatiom Interactive Dialogue at UN Headquarters in New York.
Ms Phiri delivered the country statement on behalf of the Permanent Representative, Dr Chola Milambo.
Ms Phiri said investments in water are expected to support economic transformation which would result in economic growth and translate into job creation, poverty reduction and livelihood improvement for the people.
“Investment in water and sanitation will also result into improved health outcomes and contribute to national productivity,” she told the delegates.
And the Deputy Permanent Representative noted that the outcomes of the Water Conference would accelerate implementation of key water and Sanitation interventions that will contribute to the attainment of national and international goals and targets of Sustainable Development Goal number six as well as Zambia’s Vision 2030.
Ms Phiri aslo said that investments in key economic sectors such as agriculture, energy, tourism, mining and manufacturing was key to transforming and diversifying the economy from the traditional dominant sectors of wholesale and retail trade, mining, quarrying and construction.
Ms Phiri said water supply and sanitation have been identified as catalytic ingredients to human and social development of the country.
“It plays a critical role in the prevention of outbreak of waterborne diseases and promotion of human dignity. Water also plays a critical role in livelihood improvement and poverty reduction,” said Mrs. Phiri.
The Water Conference which started on March 22 has since closed.
This is contained in a statement issued by Namatama Njekwa First Secretary for Press and Public Relations Permanent Mission of Zambia to the UN.
