MULUSA HAPPY WITH WATER PROJECT IN MONGU
MINISTRY of Water Development and Sanitation Permanent Secretary, Joe Kalusa, says he is happy with the progress made with the Mongu Town Water Project, which is 95 percent complete and soon to be commissioned.
Mr Kalusa has, however, directed the China Rail Engineering group to expedite the works under the Integrated Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation project (ISTWSS) in Sesheke and Kaoma Districts.
He explained that the US$150 Million project, has been divided into three stacks with lot one in Mongu, lot two in Kaoma, Senanga and Sesheke Districts.
Mr Kalusa stated that in Mongu, the project has seen the sinking of twelve boreholes, servicing new Mongu Town, with new networks and customers metered.
“Under lot one also, we are drawing water from little Zambezi, it’s a full package which has an obstruction point collection tank, water treatment plant and distribution and all these clients are going to be metered which is exciting,’’ he said.
He, however, said works in Sesheke are not impressive though the water abstraction point and treatment plant are done.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the sand which will be used to fully treat the water is not yet procured.
“Kaoma is also in the same situation and apparently the contractor is the same, so when I say I am happy and not happy this is what I mean,” he said.
Mr Kalusa emphasised that the government desires to see improvement in the provision of water and sanitation particularly in small towns.
He indicated that the project is being undertaken in 12 districts of Northern, Muchinga, Luapula and Western Provinces in order to increase access to quality and sustainable water supply and sanitation services.
Mr Kulusa added that in Mwense and Mansa Districts the project is at 100 percent complete and will soon be handed over to the people of Luapula Province.
He further noted that significant progress has also been recorded in Northern and Muchinga Provinces, where the project stands slightly above 80 percent.