By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) has partnered with Village Water Zambia to implement the KCM Integrated Livelihood Project, a comprehensive initiative aimed at providing access to clean water, promoting farming and livestock production, and supporting the rehabilitation of youths in various communities.
The project, which is being implemented in phases, has already received $330,000 for phase one, with a total budget of $1 million for the integrated livelihood project within the year.
According to Brian Siatubi, KCM Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, the project involves the drilling of nine Commercial boreholes, with four located in Chingola, three in Chililabombwe, one in Shibuyunji, and one in Kitwe by the end of April 2025.
“Each borehole will be equipped with water tanks of varying capacities (30,000, 20,000, and 10,000 liters), and some will also have water kiosks to provide piped water to nearby communities. The project also includes a livestock provision component, where identified groups in Chingola, Shibuyunji, and Chililabombwe will receive livestock to support their livelihoods,” he said.
Mr Siatubi said this to the media after a tour to the sites where the boreholes are been sank.
He said a special project has been initiated with the correctional services in Chingola, where a 30,000-liter water capacity system will be installed.
The project will benefit from the existing infrastructure at Chitimukulu ward, where the water reticulation system will be installed.
And Nchanga ward Councillor Jones Siluyele applauded KCM for the 30,000-liter water reticulation system, which is solar-powered, at Nchanga North General Hospital. “This will contribute to the wellness of not just the community but also the surrounding area and the Nchanga Bus station,” he said.
Nchanga North General Medical Superintendent Dr. Charles Chishimba said that the hospital had issues with surrounding areas coming in to fetch water, but this borehole will go a long way in covering all the areas surrounding the hospital. “This project is killing two birds with one stone, as the hospital will always have a supply of water,” he added.
Chitimukulu ward Councillor Darvin Hamambo said that the sinking of a complete water reticulation system at the skills center in his ward will serve the community well, as they have struggled with erratic water since 2017.
“The water reticulation system will have at least three kiosks as access points for water for the people,” he said.
Overall, the water and livelihood project is a comprehensive initiative that addresses the needs of the targeted communities, providing access to clean water, promoting farming and livestock production, and supporting the rehabilitation of youths.
