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LUSAKA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Monday called on technocrats in the water sector to come up with technologies that will help in harvesting rain water.

While acknowledging the good rains the country continues enjoying during the rainy season, the Zambian leader expressed concern that the country lacked technology on how to harness the water for both domestic and industrial use.

"It is time we learned how to harvest rain for the good of our people because we do not have rainfall throughout the year," he said when he swore-in newly-appointed Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection Raphael Nakachinda.

He urged the new minister to ensure improved development and management of water resources in order to ensure universal access to water and sanitation services.

According to him, the failure to ensure effective management and development of water resources has resulted in the country experiencing perennial floods not only in urban areas but in rural areas as well.

While acknowledging the main efforts embarked on by the government aimed at increasing access to water, the Zambian leader expressed concern that provision of clean water and sound environmental management that meets the needs of the people has remained a challenge.

He called on the doubling of efforts in implementing policies and programs that will open up areas of investment through public-private partnerships in the water sector. Enditem