11 Oct 2022

There is need to strengthen legislation and policy framework on sanitation, says the principal water scientist in the Ministry of Lands and Water Affairs, Ms Saniso Sakuringwa.

Presenting on urban and peri-urban sanitation status, challenges, achievements and way forward at the ongoing World Bank Regional Knowledge and Learning workshop in Gaborone on Monday, Ms Sakuringwa said no specific law regulated the sector.

“Prior to the water reforms, sanitation was regulated by bye-laws, which were not consistent from one local authority to another,” Ms Sakuringwa said.

She said there was need for the revision of the Water and Waste Water Policy of 2026 to cover issues of sanitation, aadding the policy landscape was fragmented and sanitation was often characterised alongside water or defined as liquid waste management.

Ms Sakuringwa said there was inadequate funding for sanitation sector, which had resulted in the ministry experiencing challenges.

She further said there were no dedicated programmes in place for improving sanitation in rural areas, adding some core sanitation activities fell in grey areas because they were not reflected in the ministries/departments’ mandates.

She also said there was need for education and awareness on managing sanitation safely as well as an establishment of a fully-fledged sanitation management division.

The principal water scientist further called for non-sewered sanitation projects especially in rural areas.

The World Bank Regional Knowledge and Learning workshop aims to increase awareness and knowledge of appropriate examples, practices and resources and approaches for the preparation and implementation of Citywide Inclusive Sanitation projects.

It also seeks to develop concrete actions that prioritise citywide approaches and promote sustainable rural water management models within the context of ongoing programs, plans and projects implementation in the respective countries. Ends