Priority Infrastructure Improvements:
ZIMBABWE and the Political Will to Improve Key Infrastructure Facilities
Introduction – Framing the Approach
Below is a framework for a Detailed Policy Paper on priority infrastructure needs in Zimbabwe, with a particular focus on drinking water and sanitation, while also considering broader infrastructure priorities. This draft incorporates insights from the web results provided, international human rights frameworks, and general knowledge of Zimbabwe’s socio-economic context. The paper is structured to align with policy-making standards, offering evidence-based analysis, actionable recommendations, and due consideration of human rights obligations, including those highlighted on our website and of our consultants.
ZHRO Website. & Bio-Methane Stratigies
Priority Infrastructure Needs in Zimbabwe with a Focus on Drinking Water and Sanitation
Executive Summary
Zimbabwe faces significant infrastructure deficits that undermine human rights, economic development, and public health. Among these, access to safe drinking water and sanitation stands out as a critical priority, recognized internationally as fundamental human rights under the United Nations framework. This policy paper identifies the urgent need to address water and sanitation infrastructure, alongside other key areas such as health, energy, and transportation, to achieve sustainable development and uphold Zimbabwe’s international human rights obligations. Drawing on data from international organizations, civil society reports, and stakeholder consultations, this paper proposes a comprehensive strategy to prioritize, fund, and implement infrastructure projects. Key recommendations include adopting a human rights-based approach (HRBA) to water and sanitation, mobilizing international and domestic resources, and fostering partnerships to ensure equitable access, particularly for marginalized groups.
1. Introduction
Zimbabwe’s infrastructure challenges are rooted in decades of economic decline, political instability, and underinvestment. The country’s water and sanitation systems, in particular, have deteriorated significantly, exacerbating public health crises, maternal mortality, and socio-economic inequalities. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO) has emphasized the link between these deficits and human rights violations, noting the failure of the current administration to prioritize health and sanitation infrastructure (ZHRO, 2024). This policy paper aims to:
- Assess the current state of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure, with a focus on Water and Sanitation, and Energy Integration.
- Identify priority needs based on human rights, public health, and economic development criteria.
- Propose actionable policy recommendations to address these needs, ensuring alignment with international obligations and sustainable development goals (SDGs).