Forty two Non – Governmental Organisations in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Sector in Zambia under the umbrella dubbed the NGO Wash Forum have raised concern over the sixty day shut down of Lolanda 1 Water Treatment Plant by Lusaka Water and Sanitation Company – LWSC.
In September 2023, Lusaka Water and Sanitation Company experienced failures on its main supply water line from Kafue River to Lusaka forcing the company to announce a 60-day period for repairs starting on Thursday, September 14, 2023.
The information was conveyed by Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Hon. Mike Mposha during a parliamentary session on September 12, 2023.
In a statement in Lusaka today, Zambia NGO WASH Forum Coordinator Bubala Muyovwe said the allocated 60-day timeframe for repairing the ruptured water pipeline, particularly during a season already marked by water scarcity, raises substantial challenges
Ms Muyovwe said the NGO Wash Forum seeks clarification on the measures to ensure reliable and affordable water supply delivery through water bowsers to specific city areas, particularly considering the challenges faced by families in meeting their basic needs.
She said while the ministerial statement mentioned that critical facilities such as hospitals would receive continuous water supply priority, more detailed insights are needed regarding the practical implementation of the prioritization and how other essential services will cope with reduced or intermittent water supply.
Ms Muyovwe said while the Minister acknowledged the necessity for a long-term solution, involving a new water treatment plant with booster pumps and a pipeline, the NGO WASH Forum observes the absence of clear timelines.
She said the NGO Wash Forum emphasizes the importance of implementing lifecycle costing, encompassing capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational expenditure (OPEX), and capital maintenance (CAPMANEX), within water utilities.
Ms Muyovwe has recommended that Government considers involving external assistance in the repair of the damaged pipeline.
She said further recommended that Government addresses the recurrent issue of water losses and promote the long-term sustainability of the water supply system, a strategic shift is required.
Ms Muyovwe said in the pursuit of sustainable interventions in the water supply and sanitation sector, long-term governance reforms are imperative.