Integrated small towns water project on course
GOVERNMENT has finalised the engagement of a consultant to review the designs for the US$150 million Integrated Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project.
Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection public relations officer Amos Zulu said following the procurement of a consultant, the project was expected to start in Northern, Muchinga, Luapula and Western provinces, targeting 12 districts.
Mr Zulu explained in an interview that the rolling out of the project in the selected four provinces was expected to start before the end of the year.
“The districts are 0bala .asama Mpika and Nakonde. Others are Samfya, Kawambwa, Mwense and Mansa, while the rest are Kaoma, Mongu, Senanga and Sesheke."
“The project aims at improving the financial viability of commercial water utilities by increasing their customer base and increasing coverage of water and sanitation services to the people," he said.
He also explained that at completion, the programme will improve the health of close to 930,000 people through access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation services in the selected districts.
He said that part of the works would include the rehabilitation and construction of new reservoirs and water network facilities, and construction and rehabilitation of sewer networks.
Mr Zulu said that it was Government's commitment to have a 10 percent access to safe, and reliable water supply by all and 90 per cent access to sanitation services by 2030.
“The ministry will also ensure that monitoring and evaluation of water and sanitation projects is prioritised as it is a key component for measuring appropriation of funds and progress made by government on various projects,” he said.