By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
Three Districts in North-Western Province have not had water since they were declared as Districts years aback.
The Districts are Ikelengi, Mushindamo and Kalumbila and this was revealed when Water Development Permanent Secretary Joe Kalusa visited North-Western Water Supply and Sanitation Company.
Speaking during a briefing, North-Western Water Supply and Sanitation Company Managing Director, Happy Musumali said that the only source of water for Kasempa, the Lufupa River, dries up, which renders the entire district without water supply.
“The water supply coverage in North-Western Province is only 70 percent while sanitation services coverage is at 24 percent, in Ikelengi, Mushindamo and Kalumbila districts people rely on private boreholes and those sunk by Government, while in Kasempa Districts, the water utility company is exploring drilling commercial boreholes,” he said.
Mr Musumali also said the demand for water in the province stands at 2 million cubic meters, and the company is only able to supply just above 1.3 million cubic meters, while only billing 8 hundred and 50 thousand cubic meters.
“The biggest challenges in the province are high energy tariffs, encroachment of water sources and reserves, outdated infrastructure, which accounts for most non-revenue water, but as well some rivers drying up,” he said.
And, Mr Kalusa said Government will give support to the water utility company in its efforts to supply clean and safe water as well as good sanitation services to people.
He also said that Government is working on measures to install water supply and sanitation infrastructure in Ikelengi, Mushindamo and Kalumbila districts.
Mr Kalusa urged the North-Western Water Supply and Sanitation Company and other water utility companies in the country to prudently utilize the financial and materials resources at their disposal.
