TIZ Calls for Greater Accountability and Investment in Water and Sanitation Services to Improve Children’s Welfare
Providence Moyo
Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) has called for greater transparency, accountability and investment in water and sanitation services, saying improved access to clean water is critical to the health, education and overall development of children across Zimbabwe.
In a statement marking the Day of the African Child yesterday, commemorated under the theme “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa,” TI-Z said many children continue to face challenges in accessing safe and reliable water sources, adequate sanitation facilities and hygiene services.
The organisation noted that recurring water shortages, ageing infrastructure, climate-induced droughts and inadequate investment in water and sanitation systems continue to undermine children’s well-being in both urban and rural communities.
“Across many communities in Zimbabwe, children continue to face significant challenges in accessing safe and reliable water sources, adequate sanitation facilities and hygiene services,” TI-Z said.
According to the organisation, the lack of reliable water and sanitation services negatively affects children’s health, school attendance, dignity and educational outcomes, with schools and health facilities among the institutions most affected by inadequate infrastructure.
TI-Z said while Zimbabwe’s Constitution guarantees access to safe, clean and potable water as well as children’s rights to healthcare and protection, weaknesses in governance continue to hinder progress toward universal access to these essential services.
“Corruption and weak accountability continue to undermine efforts to achieve universal access to water and sanitation services,” the organisation said.
The anti-corruption watchdog warned that procurement irregularities, lack of transparency in infrastructure development, inadequate oversight of public resources and limited citizen participation in decision-making often lead to delayed projects, poor-quality infrastructure and reduced access to essential services.
TI-Z said communities are usually the hardest hit when resources intended for public service delivery fail to reach their intended purpose. The organisation linked this year’s Day of the African Child theme to the broader need for integrity and accountable governance, arguing that sustainable access to water and sanitation cannot be achieved without strong institutions and active citizen involvement.
“Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation cannot be achieved without strong institutions, transparent resource management and meaningful public participation,” TI-Z said.
To address the challenges, the organisation called on government and local authorities to strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of water and sanitation resources, promote open and competitive procurement processes, increase investment in resilient infrastructure and enhance citizen participation in monitoring service delivery and public expenditure.
TI-Z said improving governance in the water and sanitation sector would contribute significantly to community development by removing barriers that prevent children from accessing essential services.
“By strengthening integrity, combating corruption and ensuring accountable management of public resources, Zimbabwe can remove barriers to essential services and secure a brighter future for its children,” the organisation said.
The call comes as communities across Zimbabwe and the African continent reflect on the importance of ensuring that every child has access to clean water, proper sanitation and hygiene services as a foundation for healthy and sustainable development.
