Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) has raised concern over the impact of corruption and weak accountability on children’s access to water and sanitation, saying poor governance continues to undermine efforts to guarantee essential services for young people.
In a statement issued to mark the Day of the African Child, commemorated annually on June 16, the anti-corruption watchdog joined the rest of the continent in observing the day under the theme, “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa.”
TIZ said many children across Zimbabwe continue to face challenges in accessing safe and reliable water sources, adequate sanitation facilities and hygiene services.
“Across many communities in Zimbabwe, children continue to face significant challenges in accessing safe and reliable water sources, adequate sanitation facilities and hygiene services,” the organisation said.
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It noted that recurring water shortages, ageing infrastructure, climate-induced droughts and inadequate public investment were affecting communities in both urban and rural areas.
“Schools and health facilities often struggle with unreliable water supplies and inadequate sanitation, affecting children’s health, school attendance, dignity and educational outcomes,” TI Z said.
The organisation said Zimbabwe’s Constitution recognises access to safe, clean and potable water as a fundamental right under Section 77(a), while Section 81 guarantees every child’s right to healthcare and protection necessary for their well-being.
“These constitutional guarantees place a responsibility on public institutions and all stakeholders to ensure that resources allocated to water, sanitation and hygiene services are managed effectively, transparently, and in the public interest,” the statement read.
TIZ, however, warned that corruption and weak accountability continue to derail efforts to achieve universal access to water and sanitation services.
“Procurement irregularities, lack of transparency in infrastructure development, inadequate oversight of public resources and limited citizen participation in decision-making can result in delayed projects, poor-quality infrastructure and reduced access to essential services,” the organisation said.
“Ultimately, it is children and communities who bear the cost when resources intended for public service delivery fail to reach their intended purpose.”
According to TIZ, achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation cannot be separated from the need for strong institutions and accountable governance as envisaged under Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.
The organisation called on the 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 improve citizen participation in monitoring public expenditure and service delivery.
“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,” TIZ said.
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