The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation has received a 13.2 million US Dollars funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB), to finance the implementation of the project called “Improving Access and Strengthening Innovations for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Kabwe Town and Bauleni Township”.
In a statement, Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Collins Nzovu, said that the project comprises Climate Resilient Water Supply Infrastructure Development, Sanitation and Hygiene Services Improvement, Institutional Strengthening, Capacity Building and Project Management.
Mr. Nzovu noted that the infrastructure improvements in Kabwe will include the rehabilitation of the Mulungushi water treatment works, increasing ground water production by developing five new boreholes at Kalulu and Mukobeko well fields, rehabilitation of the transmission and distribution system and construction of new network extension to improve water supply, mostly in peri urban and informal settlements around Kabwe.
Mr. Nzovu further notes that in Lusaka’s Bauleni Township, 160,000 persons will benefit from improved access to water supply as new water supply infrastructure will be constructed, and the transmission and distribution system in the township will be reinforced.
“On Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene-WASH component, climate-resilient, gender-sensitive, and disability-friendly sanitation and hygiene facilities will be constructed at some selected schools and health centers in Kabwe and Bauleni Township, which will benefit over 460,000 people,” Mr. Nzovu said.
He added that these facilities are designed to address menstrual hygiene challenges, improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls.
“The project which is expected to create 465 jobs during its four-year construction phase, will also strengthen the technical and financial viability of Lukanga and Lusaka Water and Sanitation companies, by ensuring the sustainability of the water systems,” the Minister said.
He, however, concludes that this amount of investment demonstrates the confidence that cooperating partners have in the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND Government’s prudent utilization of public resources, since it took over office in 2021.
