The Zambian government through the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection has approved a K3.1 billion drought resource plan in order to cushion the current water shortages faced in the country.
On Monday, Minister of Water Development & Sanitation Collins Nzovu held a press conference where he unveiled government’s reaction plan to the prevailing drought situation.
Mr Nzovu highlighted several projects that will be undertaken under government’s drought response plan including construction of dams, drilling, rehabilitation of non-functioning boreholes and installation of solar pumps among other works to be carried out by all the 11 water utility companies around the country.
“A lot of interventions as approved in the drought response plan amounting to over K3 billion are underway. My ministry is working round the clock to ensure the projects are delivered on time to address the immediate needs and to build a resilient water supply system for the future” Mr Nzovu said.
“These interventions in the drought response plan include construction of dams and rehabilitation of dams, rehabilitation and equipping of none functional borehole.”
Mr Nzovu further disclosed that in responding effectively to the current water shortages in the country caused by the El-Niño weather pattern, government has prioritized ensuring access to water and sanitation for all.
“The New Dawn government has placed a high premium on the prioritization of water and sanitation in line with Vision 2030 for Zambia and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number Six which seeks to ensure universal services of clean and safe water and adequate sanitation serves. For us, this is very important and we want to actualize what we set out do.”
In the midst of the water deficit, Mr Nzovu urged members of the public to conserve water and avoid inappropriate disposal of garbage to avoid new outbreaks of diseases such as cholera.
“We will provide water to our people, particularly to those in cholera-prone areas but we also need them to come on board and ensure that garbage is disposed of properly” Mr Nzovu said.
“The provision of clean and safe water and adequate sanitation is a mammoth task and requires concerted effort from all stakeholders. I urge all citizens to obey the measures being put in place.”
He continued: “Members of the public must practise water conservation and support initiatives aimed at ensuring adequate and sustainable water supply.”
Mr Nzovu also revealed that a sensitization campaign had been launched to promote water conservation in the country while also urging relevant stakeholders to work closely in order to help steer government’s Drought Resource Plan to success.
“A nationwide campaign to sensitize the nation on the conservation of water has commenced. I urge Ministry of Water and Sanitation officials, NWASCO, WARMA, all commercial utilities, all MDs and boards to ensure that this drought response plan by government is successful” he said.
