By NDUBI MVULA  –
WATER is life. As such, it is an undeniable fact that nothing can exist without it for it holds the reason for existence.
It must be a gratifying moment for the people of Solwezi to learn that the Government and the Netherlands have signed a grant agreement of EURO 900, 000 for detailed design works for Solwezi water and sanitation works, which, once implemented and completed, will benefit more than 100,000 inhabitants.
According to Ministry of Finance head-media and public relations Chileshe Kandeta, the grant agreement was signed by Finance Minister Felix Mutati on behalf of Zambia and Robert  Dijksterhuis, a member of the Board of International Programmes of The Netherlands Enterprise Agency, signed on behalf of the Netherlands.
Mr Mutati said Zambia was strongly resolved to quickening the pace of development and implementing the attendant measures.
“We are looking forward to the completion of design works so that we proceed and implement the project using a financing facility that will comprise of a 50 per cent grant from the government of Netherlands and 50 per cent from the Zambian Government,” he said.
It is noted that at the Sustainable Development Summit held in New York, United States of America, on September 25, 2015, UN Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030.
Sustainable Development Goal number six goes beyond drinking water, sanitation and hygiene to also address the quality and sustainability of water resources, critical to the survival of people and the planet.
Mr Chileshe says the 2030 Agenda recognises the centrality of water resources to sustainable development and the vital role that improved drinking water, sanitation and hygiene play in progress in other areas, including health, education and poverty reduction.
To quote the words of The UNDP Administrator Helen Clarkat the SDG’S Summit, “This agreement [2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development] marks an important milestone in putting our world on an inclusive and sustainable course. If we all work together, we have a chance of meeting citizens’ aspirations for peace, prosperity, and wellbeing, and to preserve our planet.”
“Zambia’s agreement with the Netherlands marks an important milestone in putting 100,000 residents of the Solwezi community on an inclusive and sustainable course through provision of safe, clean, piped and functional water and sanitation services,” Mr Mutati said.
He added “we are unwavering in our commitment towards this goal as we believe that Zambia offers some of the best opportunities due to the abundant natural water resource endowments”.