WASAZA - Water and Sanitation Association of Zambia

The Water and Sanitation Association of Zambia (WASAZA) was registered on 10 September 1999 under section 7 (1) of the Societies Act.  The Association’s main objectives are to provide a forum for the water sector where people from different professional backgrounds in government, private sector and non-governmental organizations can come together and discuss issues affecting the sector and promote best practice generally.  WASAZA is open to all professionals in the traditional water sector and in related fields such as environment, agriculture and health.  We work with different partners in all fields of engagement from government, public and private areas.

Vision
To have a well-managed and efficient water and sanitation sector with competent water professionals and researchers.

Mission
To enhance capacities and synergies in the water sector through collaboration, networking and research.

Values
Integrity
Honesty
Professionalism

Objectives

• To provide a forum for discussing the management of water and sanitation.
• To encourage dialogue between the water and sanitation industry and the public.
• To assist in developing professional competence and best practice in water and sanitation management.
• To facilitate the exchange of information among those working in water and sanitation service provision.
• To undertake research in the area of water resources and the environment.
• To lobby government and other related bodies representing the interests of those involved in the water and sanitation industry.

WASAZA team

WASAZA team

Project development

WASAZA is a membership-based local NGO.  Its goal is to harness expertise and professionalism within the water and sanitation sector; to promote best practice; and to provide professional support to any actor with a development agenda working within the water and sanitation sector.  The strategies employed are research, development, advocacy, networking, capacity building and training.  WASAZA aims to increase the profile of the development and management of water resources in Zambia and to influence systems and processes that hinder efficient and effective delivery of water and sanitation services.  It works with other NGOs and CSOs, largely through the NGO WASH Forum (see below), with Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, with the Commercial Water Utilities and the Ministry of Energy and Water Development.

WASAZA’s relevant experience as the lead organization in this expression of interest:

1. The NGO WASH Forum
This year WASAZA took over the running of the Secretariat of the NGO WASH Forum, a pan-Zambia network of NGOs and CSOs involved in water, sanitation and hygiene promotion.  WASAZA is driving the establishment of this body as a formal, legally registered organization with all necessary organisational documents and policies needed to function legally and effectively.  The Government has challenged civil society organisations to organize themselves as a Forum to be recognized, unified and to provide a collective voice for Zambian civil society regarding issues in the sector.  WASAZA has responded to this challenge.  Three months after assuming responsibility for coordinating the Forum WASAZA has coordinated the completion of the Constitution and Strategic Plan.  The Forum will be launched in October during Sanitation Week.  In this way WASAZA has demonstrated its capacity to establish a new organisation and effectively plan its registration and development.

2. Consultancy services for DEWATS and DERES services
WASAZA has the mandate to introduce DEWATS, a unique waste water system, in Zambia.  The system processes wastewater to achieve a quality effluent that can be used to irrigate food crops; sludge for soil conditioning; and biogas for cooking.  WASAZA provides consultancy services for any clients who wish to use this system for the private sector, government or non-government institutions.  WASAZA also undertakes Health Impact Assessments to assess the health status of communities one year before and after implementation of DEWATS.  During project implementation WASAZA conducts hygiene promotion sessions to improve the health standards of the community where it works.  All community-based or school sanitation projects are planned in cooperation with the responsible commercial utilities and the involvement of communities.  Communities choose which approach fits best with their needs and how they can contribute to its achievement.  The commercial utilities take the lead in implementation with WASAZA supervising the entire process.  In school sanitation projects we try, in particular, to organise third party funding to ensure financial sustainability of the project.  DERES is an approach where WASAZA provides consultancy for biogas technology for energy use and works closely with trained masons and construction firms.  This approach is especially interesting for farms and small and medium enterprises.

3. Better sanitation for Zambia’s peri-urban areas
With its partners the Devolution Trust Fund (DTF) and Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA), WASAZA is involved in a large scale pilot project to improve sanitation in peri-urban and low-cost housing areas of Libuyu (Livingstone), Kariba, (Ndola), Kansuswa (Mufulira) and Kandundu (Solwezi).  WASAZA moderated the Community Involvement Process and supported the Health Impact Assessment in the four communities.  Together with a BORDA Consultant input for Zambia specific hygiene materials has been built.  These WASAZA owned inputs were used by GTZ to work in cooperation with WASAZA to development the material for the World Cup-related Youth Development through Football program.  WASAZA’s responsibility in this program was the Training of Trainers in the Community where the soccer teams were formed.  Now the WASAZA social team is developing further hygiene promotion materials for other stakeholder groups in the communities.  WASAZA is also training the Commercial Utilities and the Community Sanitation Committees in the application of these tools.  Project planning began in 2008 and included community involvement.  Implementation started in two project areas in 2009 with other areas beginning in 2010.

4. Collaboration with FAWEZA during 2008 International Year of Sanitation
The International Year of Sanitation included several sanitation activities.  The main activity was a national competition for all schools in which students were asked to take pictures of sanitation situations in their surroundings.  This was conducted in collaboration with the NGO Wash Forum and FAWEZA (Forum African Women Educationists in Zambia).  The best pictures were awarded prizes.  WASAZA’s Sociologist was part of the management team.

5. WAVE Program INWENT Capacity Building for Commercial Utilities
In this program, which began in 2007, stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector work together to enhance the capacities of commercial utilities.  The first phase ends this year.  Planning for the second phase has already begun and it will commence next year.  WASAZA leads this cooperation with representatives from research institutions, civil society organizations and private sector representatives.  Nine trainings have already been conducted for all commercial utilities in Zambia and further information material provided.

6. NEPAD Business Foundation Zambia
The Nepad Business Foundation is about to begin a program in Zambia.  The first planning meetings with stakeholders from the private sector, government and civil society organisations have taken place.

The WASAZA team after constructing the WASAZA Office’s grass sofa