By Staff Writer
Forty two Non – Governmental Organizations in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Sector in Zambia under the umbrella dubbed the NGO Wash Forum have raised concern over the sixty day shutdown 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 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.
“It is imperative to consider the allocation of additional resources and manpower to expedite the project. Prolonged service disruptions, especially during the dry season, can impose severe hardships on residents who depend on a continuous supply of clean water for domestic purposes. This situation poses significant public health risks since dry conditions historically contribute to the spread of diarrheal diseases due to the absence of clean water for hygiene and food safety practices,” she said.
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.
“It is our firm belief that payment for these services must not constrain individuals’ ability to access other fundamental goods and services guaranteed by human rights,” she said.
Ms Muyovwe 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.
“The ministerial statement and the press briefing made by the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company Managing Director, lacks clarity on how institutions like markets, bus stations, businesses, and schools, which require a consistent water supply, will be affected,” she said.
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.
“We seek information regarding the plans and schedules in place to ensure the prompt mobilization of funds and the implementation of a long-term solution to prevent recurring water supply issues. Zambia has continually grappled with challenges in the sustainable management of water supply and sanitation services due to inadequate investments in the sector. Consequently, a 60-day water supply disruption in Lusaka is not surprising,” she said.
Ms Muyovwe 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.
“Failure to do so may result in ongoing challenges in the future. Historically, investments in urban and peri-urban areas have disproportionately focused on large-scale bulk water production while neglecting the maintenance, rehabilitation, and expansion of existing networks,” she said.
Ms Muyovwe has recommended that Government considers involving external assistance in the repair of the damaged pipeline.
“Given that in-house engineers from the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, in collaboration with LWSC, estimate a 60-day completion period, it is essential to engage partners who can significantly reduce this turnaround time. Additionally, provide and adhere to specific timelines for the efficient mobilization of adequate resources for the new pipeline, considering its life cycle costs,” she said.
Ms Muyovwe 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.
“The key strategic focus should be on the development of a comprehensive investment policy designed to minimize wastewater throughout the entire water supply networks. Achieving this objective entails a fundamental reassessment of how these water networks are designed, planned, and implemented. It necessitates a holistic approach that allocates equal attention and resources to activities aimed at reducing leakages and losses within the distribution network while also exploring the establishment of new water production sources. This shift in strategy recognizes the interdependence of water supply systems, emphasizing that minimizing water losses is as critical as ensuring a consistent supply. By prioritizing both aspects, we can establish a more resilient and efficient water supply system that not only meets current demands but also anticipates future challenges and growth,” she said.
Ms Muyovwe said in the pursuit of sustainable interventions in the water supply and sanitation sector, long-term governance reforms are imperative.
“It is essential for the government, working through the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, to address existing weak governance structures, mitigate political interference, and overhaul the regulatory framework governing water commercial utility companies. These initiatives are vital to ensure that the sector operates with transparency, accountability, and effectiveness.
By Strengthening the CUs’ governance structures and reducing political interference, the government can create an environment where water utility companies can operate autonomously, efficiently, and in accordance with best practices. Additionally, a robust regulatory framework is essential to monitor and enforce service level standards, safeguard consumer interests, and foster healthy communication within the WASH sector,” she said.
