SADC CALLS FOR CONSERVATION OF WATER
THE Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) has noted that the value of water is a critical starting point for all subsequent actions taken to preserve and efficiently utilize the valuable resource.
SADC Executive Secretary Stergomena Tax said the value of water has long been underestimated and taken for granted by many people.
Dr. Tax stated that as the region joins the rest of the international community in commemorating the world water day under the theme ‘valuing water’, it is cardinal to realise that the resource is key to human survival.
She said in a statement to ZANIS in Lusaka today that SADC was commitment to ensuring equal and affordable access to clean water by all as expressed in the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan for 2020-2030 and the SADC vision 2050.
“If the value of water is over-looked, the region risks ignoring the steps needed to conserve and sustainably manage water resources, consequently leading to the continued dwindling of the much-needed investment in the water infrastructure,” she said.
Dr. Tax said the Covid-19 pandemic has also made it evident that it is essential to invest in the provision of adequate safe water and sanitation services to prevent and contain such pandemics.
She has since called on all member states and the people of the region to do their part to conserve and efficiently utilize water because once depleted, it cannot be restored.
In another development, Zambian Breweries and the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC) have constructed an industrial borehole in Lusaka’s George compound.
Zambian Breweries Corporate Affairs Director Ezekiel Sekele said the industrial borehole, which was built at cost of US$150, 000, will provide clean and safe water to 40,000 households in the target area.
Mr. Sekele explained that the borehole was installed as part of the entity’s cholera and Covid-19 response strategy which seeks to improve access to clean water and sanitation in low-income areas.
“Sustainable access to clean water is essential to building healthy communities and thriving businesses. However, this vital commodity is becoming increasingly scarce in many parts of the country, particularly in low-income areas like George compound,” Mr Sekele said in a statement released to ZANIS by Gillian Langmead of Langmead and Baker Communications.
He further noted that population growth and urbanization were putting considerable pressure on existing water infrastructure, resulting in erratic supply to residential units as demand increases. -