MARTIN MAWAYA
HARARE-UNICEF has urged the Zimbabwean government and its partners to prioritize investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services as part of the country’s response to the devastating El Nino-induced drought.
According to UNICEF, access to safe water remains a significant challenge in Zimbabwe, with only 81% of the rural population having access to improved water sources.
The ongoing drought has exacerbated the situation, leading to the drying up of nearly 4% of the country’s boreholes, particularly in the Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces.
“Water scarcity increases the risk of waterborne diseases and malnutrition among children. It can also lead to school dropouts and child labor and increases the risk of child exploitation and abuse as children are mobilized to fetch water from far away distances, in insecure circumstances,” said UNICEF in a statement.
To address this crisis, UNICEF, as the co-sector lead on WASH with the Zimbabwean government, has been working with partners to enhance safe water supply through the rehabilitation of existing water systems, the construction of new climate-resilient water systems, and the promotion of safe hygiene and sanitation practices.
Despite these efforts, UNICEF has called for increased funding and prioritization of WASH interventions to build community resilience and mitigate the consequences of climate-related shocks, such as the El Nino-induced drought.
“By ensuring sustainable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, we contribute to ensuring the protection of children’s rights, including the right to health, nutrition, education, and protection,” reads the statement.
