During the 2^nd Session of the 12^th National Assembly, in his address to Parliament, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu announced the re-alignment of ministries and institutions to improve efficiency in government operations. Thus, one of the re-organization measures was the creation of the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection.  The functions which were re-aligned and brought under the Ministry included:

• Water Supply and Sanitation function from the former Ministry of Local Government and Housing;
• Environmental Protection function from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources; and
• Water Development function from the Ministry of Energy and Water Development.

Portfolio functions of the Ministry

• Environmental Policy
• Environmental Protection and Pollution Control
• Environmental Research and Training
• Water Policy
• Water Supply and Sanitation
• Water Resources Management and Development
• Environmental Protection Fund