Water firm lauds govt for support

Friday, June 17, 2011

By ALEX NJOVU

 

NKANA Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) has commended Government and its co-operating partners for funding the installation of meters in Kitwe’s Ndeke township at a cost of K2.1 billion.
NWSC public relations manager Damaseke Chibale said the water utility company has also spent K350 million to improve the water reticulation system in Mindolo township in Kitwe.
Mr Chibale told journalists during a media tour of the NWSC water treatment infrastructure in Ndeke township on Wednesday the installation of the meters is progressing well.
"We would like to commend Government and its partners for being there for us, and we are grateful that we have continued receiving support from Government. The project we are currently undertaking of installing meters in Ndeke township has been funded by Government and its partners," Mr Chibale said.
He said he is happy that Ndeke residents have welcomed the installation of meters.
Mr Chibale said the installation of meters for residential customers will help the water utility company reduce wastage because the residents will be cautious with the manner in which they use water.
"These meters we are installing have received overwhelming response from Ndeke residents. About 3,950 houses will be covered in Ndeke, and so far the exercise is progressing very well. People will be able to control the usage of water, and it will go a long way in reducing water wastage, which has been a source of worry for the company," Mr Chibale said.
He said NWSC will continue working with Government and its co-operating partners to develop the water sector.
He said Government has demonstrated commitment to the provision of clean water and sanitation through the implementation of good polices that are enhancing the development of the sector.
"Last year we received about US$57 million from the African Development Bank (ADB) for the improvement of water reticulation and infrastructure in all the three areas of our operations," he said.
Mr Chibale said NWSC management is committed to addressing water shortages residents are facing.
"Our brothers and sisters in some parts of Mindolo Township were having difficulties in accessing water, but now this is history because we have taken piped water to the township and the people are very happy. We are in this business to provide clean sanitation services to our people, and this is what we are doing," he said.
He called on the residents of Kitwe, Chambishi and Kalulushi to protect water infrastructure against vandalism.