STOP DAMAGING WATER PIPES, CONTRACTORS ADVISED

LUSAKA residents have advised contractors and developers working on various projects in the city to avoid damaging water and sewer pipes as this might result in water contamination.

The residents applauded the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC) for advising contractors and developers to follow procedure to avoid damaging water and sewer pipelines.

In an interview with the Daily Nation Mercy Nkhuwa of Kaunda Square Stage 2 said drinking water risked being contaminated because contractors had in most cases damaged sewer lines.

Ms Nkhuwa said the trend was common in most townships where contractors, especially those carrying out road works and construction had ended up damaging water and sewer pipes.

Ms Nkhuwa said this had contributed to erratic water supply and water disruption due to the damage caused by contractors and some developers.

Jamba Siyuuni of the same township said sometimes residents received brownish looking water with particles in it after the pipes were damaged but some contractors never brought this to the attention of the water utility firm

Mr Siyuuni disclosed that last week water was flowing along Addis Abba road up to Manda hill and only to find a water pipe was damaged by the grader which was carrying out works.

He appealed to LWSC to carry out inspections in all areas where works were being carried out because many sewer lines had also been damaged.

On Tuesday, LWSC observed that the increased damage to water and sewer pipes due to various projects such as excavations for road construction, drainages, and fiber optic and boundary wall fences.

LWSC public relations officer Nshamba u ungu said the company was losing a lot of water due to leakages from pipelines damaged by contractors.

r u ungu said it was also disrupting normal water supply and as a result the company was losing business as well.

“We wish to advise all contractors and developers not to undertake any excavations adjacent to water supply and sanitation infrastructure without approval from LWSC, “said Mr u ungu

He advised that contractors should immediately inform LWSC whenever there was a damage to LWSC infrastructure and not proceed to repair or conceal the damage.