The Zambian government has handed over 24 bicycles to Luampa District to strengthen community-based Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Education (WASHE) activities and improve access to essential water and sanitation information.
The handover, reported by Lusaka Times on 17 October 2026, is intended to help community WASHE champions reach more residents with messages promoting safe water use, proper sanitation and good hygiene practices.
Speaking during the handover, Acting District Administrative Officer James Munenga urged the beneficiaries to use the bicycles effectively to support community outreach and promote sustainable water and sanitation practices.
Luampa Town Council Secretary Isaac Mwale said the government had expanded its WASHE activities to include climate resilience programmes and infrastructure projects, such as irrigation schemes. He explained that these interventions were intended to improve livelihoods and help communities withstand the effects of climate change.
Mr Mwale also called on stakeholders to continue working with the government to improve access to clean water and strengthen community resilience.
Community WASHE Champion Pasco Malyatela welcomed the support, noting that the bicycles would enable champions to reach more people and improve the delivery of water, sanitation and hygiene education within their communities.
The initiative also involves collaboration with development partners supporting water access and climate-resilient livelihoods. Akakulubelwa Akabondo, Programme Officer for the Christian Brothers Western Cluster Project, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to complementing government efforts in improving access to clean water and strengthening community livelihoods.
According to Mr Akabondo, two solar-powered irrigation schemes and nine boreholes are intended to improve water availability, strengthen food security and build climate resilience among communities in Luampa District.
The handover highlights the importance of equipping community-based workers with practical resources to extend essential services and public education to residents, particularly in areas where distances and transport challenges can limit outreach.
Access to safe water, adequate sanitation and proper hygiene remains essential to protecting public health and improving living conditions. By supporting community WASHE champions with bicycles, the initiative aims to make local outreach more accessible while complementing wider investments in water infrastructure and climate resilience.
The effectiveness of the intervention will depend on how consistently the bicycles are used, the reach of community education activities and the continued maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure.
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