Zambia gets solar-powered water kiosks through cooperation with Turkey

LUSAKA, Zambia

A pair of Zambian and Turkish non-governmental organizations have partnered to help increase access to clean and safe drinking water to poor communities.

The AWQAF humanitarian foundation, a Zambian non-profit group is working closely with Turkey’s Diyanet Foundation to install solar-powered water kiosks to provide water free of charge.

It will supplement the government’s efforts to provide clean drinking water to vulnerable communities.

The pilot project is in the capital of Lusaka where the Chilanga, Kabanana and Lusaka West areas have benefitted.

AWQAF managing director Shaban Phiri said access to water is not to be treated as a privilege for a few of the elite in society.

“Where we see a need for water, we respond and we are excited to supplement the Government’s efforts in providing this essential commodity called water to the people in need,” said Phiri.

He thanked Diyanet and the Turkish government for the support rendered and President Edgar Lungu for creating an enabling environment for local support groups such as his to help the government better the well-being of citizens.

Diyanet Foundation humanitarian relief expert Burak Ince said no one who benefits from the project should charge for water.

Ince said his group’s gesture was a gift from the Turkish people to their brothers and sisters in Zambia and hailed cordial relations between Zambia and Turkey.

Turkey's Ambassador to Zambia Istem Cırcıroglu, who recently witnessed a handover ceremony of one of the kiosks, described the project as a way to improve livelihoods in poor communities.

The installation of one kiosk costs about $15,600 and is the first of its kind to be installed in Zambia.

Access to clean and safe water in Zambia increased to 72% from 65% in 2014 and access to improved sanitation rose to 54% from 25%, according to the Ministry for Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection.

Zambia and Turkey have enjoyed longstanding bilateral relations for decades.

Cooperation includes the private and public sectors working in the economic and social spheres of development.