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| Water
Resources in Zambia |
| Zambia
has an abundance of sweet water and holds 45 percent
of the total water resources of the Southern African
region. There are four river systems with networks
of tributaries. The Zambezi, the main artery,
covers the entire west and south of the country.
The Kafue and Luangwa river systems water the
central and eastern region, joining the Zambezi
south of Lake Kariba. The Luapula river system,
which runs northwards to Lake Mweru, waters the
northern region between the Muchinga mountains
and the border with the Democratic Republic of
Congo. Even where surface water is not conveniently
available, there are plentiful underground water
sources, usually at no great depth. The ready
water supply allows for extensive irrigation of
agricultural areas. Present estimates are that
55 percent of households in Zambia have access
to clean water. In urban areas the figure is 90
percent, while only 35 percent of rural households
have access to safe water. |
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Annual
plan for rural water supply and sanitation
The current plan focuses on stock taking and
repositioning the sector for a more effective
process of reform. Emphasis is being placed
on reaffirming government’s commitment to
sector reforms, establishing open dialogue
between government, external support agencies,
NGOs and other stakeholders. Key elements
to support the meeting of the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs) will be addressed through a stepwise
approach through government making a series
of decisions on sector improvement in collaboration
with stakeholders. |
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| Matrix
for rural water support and sanitation annual
plan 2003-2004 |
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