NO WATER, NO LIFE

THE rain season reminds us annually of the delicate balance between life and death and the role that water plays.
Echoing Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Minister Jonas Chanda’s words: Water plays an important role in the country’s socioeconomic development and that Zambia has abundant water resources which require to be sustainably managed to avoid depletion.
“Climate change,droughts and shifting rainfall patterns have heavily impacted on the availability and supply of water for various use” Dr Chanda said when he was speaking today in Pemba district in Southern Province when he launched the pilot catchment protection measures of the Magoye and Mutama Bweengwa Rivers in Southern Province.
Yesterday the Minister launched the Gondwe Water Supply Improvement Project in Lilayi area.
The project which is estimated to run for 24 months is being implemented with support from the Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) and funding from Wasser – Fuer – Wasser, at a cost of about ZMK 20 million.
One of the contractors, Tetra Tech, Tetra Tech has supported the Lusaka Water Supply, Sanitation, and Drainage (LWSSD) Project for 10 years, providing support from project inception through completion.
Tetra Tech completed several assessments and plans to meet the water, sanitation, and drainage needs of Lusaka’s 190,000 residents and future population growth. These efforts included a sanitation master plan and associated sanitation investment plan, an environmental and social impact assessment, and resettlement support for more than 5,000 homes, businesses, farms, small structures, and other entities impacted by the proposed infrastructure construction.
Lusaka residents are further cheered by the newly launched project which involves the drilling of a Commercial Borehole, laying of 10.5 kilometre distribution network and Installation of a 75 cubic meter elevated steel water storage tank, will supply water to over 8,000 residents.
Kabwata Member of Parliament Given Lubinda and Mayor of Lusaka Miles Sampa said water remains a key development agenda, as it plays a critical role in the country’s socio – economic development.
Dr. Chanda added that President Edgar Lungu has continued to relentlessly mobilise resources to ensure that people have access to clean and safe water and sanitation services.
He says Government is implementing various water supply and sanitation projects such as the Emergency Water Supply Improvement Project, the Kafue Bulk Water Supply Project and the Lusaka Sanitation Programme aimed at aimed at improving the health of the people.
The Minister has urged Gondwe residents to work closely with the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company to provide and guard the infrastructure.
Kabwata Member of Parliament Hon Given Lubinda has assured that the infrastructure will be protected.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Mayor Miles Sampa says one of the biggest challenge in Lusaka is access to clean and safe water and adequate sanitation.
And Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company Vice Board Chairperson, Chapa Chikamba has thanked Government for the continued support to the utility company which is ensuring that the mandate of the institution of providing clean and safe water is being fulfilled.
Government has prioritized access to a clean and safe water supply, adequate sanitation, and drainage in Lusaka as key to Zambia’s economic and social development. Tetra Tech completed several assessments and plans to meet the water, sanitation, and drainage needs of Lusaka’s 190,000 residents and future population growth. These efforts included a sanitation master plan and associated sanitation investment plan, an environmental and social impact assessment, and resettlement support for more than 5,000 homes, businesses, farms, small structures, and other entities impacted by the proposed infrastructure construction.
The infrastructure improvements included rehabilitation of the main water treatment plant; rehabilitation of 10 water distribution centres; construction of 35 community water kiosks; installation of 200 miles of bulk and distribution water pipes; construction of 24 kilometres of concrete storm water drains; and rehabilitation and expansion of waste water treatment ponds.
Millions have been invested into the national water supply system to ensure that the ecosystem within which we live can be maintained and balanced.
As the population continues to grow and Zambia aims to achieve its developmental goals it is important to plan for water use and the preservation of water sources.