Water and Sanitation Expo opens in Bulawayo

The provision of clean, safe and reliable water is an urgent issue which needs to be addressed.

This came out at the 2nd edition of the Water and Sanitation Expo which is currently underway in Bulawayo.

Zimbabwe has remained vulnerable to recurring cases of dysentery, typhoid and cholera in both urban and rural areas since the 2008 cholera outbreak.

This phenomenon has been largely attributed to poor water and sanitation services in some parts of the country.

In a speech read on his behalf during the 2015 edition of the Water and Sanitation Expo (Washen) by the Minister of State in his Office Clifford Sibanda, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa said it is critical for government, industry, technocrats and non-governmental organisations to work together and leverage technology in enhancing the water and sanitation sectors.

"I am encouraged by the fact that the conference will be exploring how information communication technologies and private public partnerships can be employed as tools for enhancing the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure facilities in the country," said VP Mnangagwa.

The continued pollution of water sources despite the existence of relevant laws to curb the practice is a cause for concern, says Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri.

"I am greatly concerned by the continued high levels of pollution of drinking water sources and although many policies are in place. The challenge has been in enforcing as there are many players involved. Government is working on addressing such issues," Muchinguri Kashiri said.

The water and sanitation conference is running concurrently with an expo where new technologies on water and sanitation are being exhibited.