Online Reporter
Andile Tshuma,Zimpapers writer
The annual National Residents Summit has kicked off in Bulawayo, bringing together residents, local authorities, and stakeholders to discuss and shape the future of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in the country.
This year’s edition, themed “Rethinking WASH Sector Financing in the Context of Devolution,” aims to review progress, co-create solutions, and exchange knowledge on sustainable WASH service delivery.
The two-day event is hosted by the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Associations.
In his opening remarks, Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart urged residents to take an active role in demanding quality services from municipalities, emphasising their responsibilities as ratepayers.
The summit’s objectives include assessing collective progress since the last National Residents Summit, developing strategies for accountable, inclusive, and gender-responsive WASH service, exploring alternatives to privatization of municipal services, Crafting a shared position paper with policy proposals and strategies for improving WASH services financing and investment
Through panel discussions, workshops, and plenary sessions, participants will engage in collaborative problem-solving and knowledge sharing to enhance WASH service delivery in Zimbabwe. The summit’s outcomes are expected to inform policy and practice, ultimately improving the lives of communities across the country.
