•THE dredger bought at a cost of K7.6 million to remove the weed on
Kafubu River in Ndola is not performing its functions. (Inset) portions of the river which are choked by the weed. Pictures by JAMES KUNDA

By JAMES KUNDA –

THERE was a high degree of pomp when a dredger was commissioned on Kafubu River in December last year to remove the weed that has been threatening to choke the water body.
Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Minister Yamfwa Mukanga commissioned the dredger, which was bought by Government at a cost of K7.6 million.
However, works to remove the vicious weed are dragging despite the procurement of the dredger which was required for the provision of clean and safe water for consumers.
Dredging is an excavation activity or operation usually carried out at least partly underwater, in shallow seas or fresh water areas with the purpose of gathering up bottom sediments and disposing of them at a different location.
Many portions of the river are still clogged with silt and weeds while the dredger is seemingly moving at a slower than anticipated pace.
A check at the waterway found the dredger, which is operated by Kafubu Water and Sewerage Company (KWSC), marooned on one section along Kabwe Road.
The other side of the river, along Dag Hammarskjöeld Drive in Itawa, is still overgrownd with weed, making the flow of water difficult.
KWSC caters for three districts on the Copperbelt namely, Ndola, Luanshya and Masaiti.
Many residents in the southern zone have been complaining about the poor quality of water which they receive, and the procurement of the dredger, among other measures being taken to purify water, brought relief to them.
KWSC public relations officer Margaret Zulu said the company was constrained to issue any statement as that was the responsibility of the ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications.
A query sent to the ministry had not been answered by Press time.