03/10/2025
UNZA PARTNERS WITH BORDA ZAMBIA TO LAUNCH SANITATION HUB, SEEKS K173 MILLION FOR SYSTEM OVERHAUL
The University of Zambia (UNZA) says it requires 173 Million Kwacha to overhaul its ageing sanitation infrastructure, which has become a growing concern for the institution’s health and safety standards.
Speaking during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony at UNZA Great East Campus in Lusaka with the Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) Zambia, UNZA Vice Chancellor Professor Mundia Muya said the university is facing serious challenges linked to outdated sewer systems, invasive tree roots, and deteriorating underground infrastructure.
He noted that some of the original construction materials, including asbestos pipes, pose health risks and are no longer suitable for modern use.
Professor Muya described the MoU as a milestone in UNZA’s journey towards innovation, sustainability, and community transformation.
He said the partnership with BORDA Zambia will support the establishment of a Sanitation Hub, which will serve as a policy-responsive knowledge centre for decentralised sanitation solutions.
He added that the initiative aligns with UNZA’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan and national development priorities outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan and Vision 2030.
The hub is expected to promote research, innovation, and capacity building, while also demonstrating technologies such as anaerobic treatment, biogas recovery, and wastewater reuse.
Professor Muya appealed to development partners and the private sector to support the university’s efforts, stressing that investment in sanitation is an investment in the health, safety, and productivity of over 30,000 students and staff.
He said UNZA must lead by example, ensuring that its own systems reflect the principles of inclusive and sustainable sanitation it advocates for.
Meanwhile, the Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) Zambia has expressed satisfaction with the strategic partnership with the University of Zambia (UNZA), aimed at tackling the country’s sanitation challenges through research, innovation, and capacity building.
BORDA Zambia Country Director Amanda Mallaghan said the partnership marks a significant milestone in promoting sustainable decentralised sanitation systems.
She stated that the initiative is designed to support evidence-based solutions to sanitation issues, particularly in the context of rapid urbanisation and the growth of informal settlements.
Ms Mallaghan explained that the Sanitation Hub will serve as a dedicated space for knowledge exchange, research, and learning, bridging the gap between academia, practitioners, and communities.
She emphasised that the hub will provide students with opportunities to work on real-world challenges, while ensuring that Zambian communities benefit directly from the innovations and research generated.
Ms Mallaghan further noted that lasting solutions in sanitation require multi-sectoral collaboration, and expressed gratitude to UNZA’s leadership and other stakeholders for their support.
She said BORDA Zambia remains committed to ensuring the hub delivers on its vision to become a centre of excellence for sanitation research and innovation in Zambia and the region.