By MOFFAT CHAZINGWA –
THE K6.4 million Kawama East Water Supply and Kansuswa Sanitation projects in Mufulira have been commissioned.
The projects implemented by Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) were financed by the Devolution Trust Fund (DTF).
Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Howard Sikwela commissioned the two projects with an assurance of Government’s commitment to uplifting the living standards of all citizens.
Government policy was to ensure that the living standards of the general citizenry was uplifted through improved services such as delivery of safe and clean water to their door steps and equally reliable sewage treatment system.
Rev Sikwela said this at the joint commissioning of the Kawama East Water Supply and Kansuswa Sanitation project held at Kansuswa Stadium on Thursday.
The year 1986 was the last time Kansuswa had reliable water supply after which the water supply system deteriorated to a point of total disrepair while it was the first time Kawama East had piped water supply.
“I am pleased to note that the cooperation between MWSC and DTF continues to benefit the vulnerable in our communities,” he said.
Water and sanitation were a prerequisite for any meaningful development to take place, and as such, there was need for residents of Kawama East and Kansuswa to jealously guard the infrastructure that have been put in place for their convenience and well being.
Rev Sikwela expected Kansuswa to now record a reduction in cases of water borne disease translating into a healthier and more productive community.
He cautioned MWSC to desist from the tendency of taking utility bills to areas where customers were not accessing water and sanitation services.
MWSC managing director Kanyembo Ndhlovu said the commissioned projects endorsed the company’s mission of providing sustainable water and sanitation services that ensured customers delight and maximises shareholder value.
DTF manager Sam Gon’ga said Zambia like many other developing countries had been urbanising at a faster rate because of people drifting from rural to urban areas with the majority of this urban population residing in low cost and peri-urban areas.