On 7th and 8th of June 2021, representatives of Gelsenwasser participated in the Zambia Water Forum and Exhibition (ZWAFE) with their Zambian partner company Lukanga WSSC. The hybrid event with both virtual and physical participants revolved around the topic Innovative Action for Water and Sanitation: leaving no one behind.

High-level government officials, such as the Zambian Vice President and Ministers, attended the event as well as international networks and initiatives such as the Global Water Partnership participated.

The participants discussed plans and current developments to optimize water and energy supply in Zambia, where there parts of the country with abundant water sources. Among other things, measures for lead reduction and sludge disposal were presented. The high lead contamination in the region around Kabwe is a health hazard. Although the lead mine there was closed down more than 25 years ago, the consequences are still being felt today.

On the second day, the participants from Gelsenwasser and their partners from the Emschergenossenschaft/Lippeverband, the Eigenbetrieb WABAU of the city of Baruth/Mark and Lukanga Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited as well as the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) - gave an insight into their work in Germany and their international commitment, for example through the Gelsenwasser Foundation.

The partners presented the goals of the project plan and gave some insight in the emergence of this new partnership. The nature of the work in the virtual space, with its possibilities and limitations, was discussed as well. Afterwards there was still some time to answer questions and share experiences.

Impressions