Lusaka water projects progress cheer MPs

THE Parliamentary committee on energy water development and tourism is happy with the pace at which works are going at Kafue Bulk Water Supply as well as under the Lusaka Water Supply, and Sanitation Drainage projects. Committee chairperson Ephraim Belemu was hopeful that the contractor would complete the works within the stipulated time. Mr Belemu said water and sanitation was critical to the health of the citizens. Mr Belemu, the UPND Mbabala Member of Parliament however said the committee was interested to see how the project would benefit the citizens in the city. He said this after a tour to check on the ongoing works at Chilanga booster station, Stuart plant and Kafue Bulk Water Supply project being carried out by Millennium Challenge Account Zambia. “As a committee we appreciate that we have a site visit of the infrastructure that is under construction and we hope that you stick to the schedule and ultimately this will translate into reaching homes,” said Mr Belemu. Meanwhile, Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC) managing director Jonathan Kampata said once the rehabilitation works were completed, water supply to Lusaka would be boosted. Mr Kampata noted that Lusaka City was growing at a fast rate and there was need to meet the high demand of the residents. Mr Kampata was however disappointed that works in some areas had been delayed due to encroachment on the land where some structures had been developed in pipeline areas. He was worried that if the situation was not controlled this would hamper future expansion. This development, he added, had already affected the maintenance works as it was difficult to proceed. Mr Kampata was confident that both projects would be completed in November this year and that this would greatly improve water supply to Lusaka. And LWSC director, engineering, Wilson Shane said Lusaka was faced with a water deficit because of the growing population and demand. Mr Shane said the water demand for Lusaka stands at 411 million litres a day and the company was only supplying 250, 000 cubic litres a day. “It is difficult to ration water especially when there is an interruption which also worsens the situation,” Mr Shane explained.