Factsheet: Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI), Zambia

As one of the fastest growing cities in Southern Africa, Zambia‘s capital Lusaka is characterised by deteriorating environmental and living conditions, as well as inadequate basic services. The city is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and as its population grows at a quick pace, water security is increasingly at risk. From inadequate access to water supply and proper sanitation services, increasing groundwater pollution and unsustainable groundwater exploitation, to serious threats to the health of the Kafue River and persistent urban flooding risks, the challenges for the city are manifold.

So in 2016, the Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) was formed, resulting from the insight that the complexity of issues required collective multi-stakeholder action. LuWSI is now recognised as a key driver of water security in the city, with a steadily increasing membership of currently 40 partners.