Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has been presented with the inaugural VIP Global Water Changemaker Award in recognition of his country’s leadership in launching the Zambia Water Investment Programme.
State House Communication Specialist Clayson Hamasaka disclosed that the award was received on behalf of the Zambian people by the country’s United Nations Permanent Representative, Ambassador Dr Chola Milambo, at a United Nations Water Conference Side Event in New York on March 22, 2023.
“The Zambia Water Investment Programme (AIP-Zambia) was launched by President Hichilema on July 16, 2022, during the African Union Mid-Year Co-ordination Summit held in Lusaka.
“The programme aimed to create job opportunities for 200,000 people in formal employment and 800,000 in indirect employment by 2030, through gender-sensitive investment in water security, industrialization, and climate-resilient development,” Hamasaka added.
He adds that the programme had been conducting training sessions for leaders in various sectors to integrate gender considerations into water and climate activities across the country.
It was expected that the programme would benefit at least two million Zambian citizens through economic opportunities generated by water and sanitation investments and other interventions.
“The VIP Global Water Changemaker Award recognizes the efforts of individuals and organizations in driving change and promoting sustainability in the water sector.”
Speaking about the award, President Hichilema said, “I am humbled and honoured to receive this award on behalf of the people of Zambia.
“It is a testament to our commitment to sustainable water management and our efforts to ensure that water is a source of socio-economic development. We will continue to work towards creating opportunities for our people and promoting sustainable development in our country,” the President tweeted.
