| Posted on Tuesday, June 5th, 2012
By ALEX NJOVUKALULUSHI mayor Howard Simpemba is concerned that the persistent water shortage in the district has forced Chibuluma residents to draw water from nearby streams while others have dug shallow wells at their homes.
And Kalulushi district medical officer Mbandala Sichimba has described the water situation in Kalulushi as worrying.
Mr Simpemba said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday that the erratic supply of water to Kalulushi has forced Chibuluma residents to fetch water from streams and shallow wells.
Mr Simpemba urged Chibuluma residents to be patient as government is addressing their concerns.
“We are happy that the ongoing reconstruction of the Mwambashi dam at a cost of about US$9.5 million will bring water problems in Kalulushi to an end. The project is expected to be completed in August next year,” Mr Simpemba said.
He said Nkana Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) supplies water to Kalulushi through its Bulangililo water works in Kitwe but that the supply does not go beyond eight hours a day.
Mr Simpemba said government, in partnership with key stakeholders, is working hard to ensure that the people of Kalulushi have a steady supply of clean water and better sanitation services.
He commended government for its commitment to ensuring that Zambians have access to clean water.
“The construction of the Mwambashi dam is a huge project. Houses for workers who will be operating the pumps will also be constructed in the area and the contractor is slightly ahead of schedule,” Mr Simpemba said.
He warned the residents against vandalising the water infrastructure that government is building at great cost.
And Dr Sichimba says he is happy that NWSC is actively addressing the problem.
“We don’t have any outbreak of water-borne diseases for now and we thank God for that. Our colleagues from Nkana Water are on the ground trying to address the problem,” Dr Sichimba said.
NWSC public relations manager Damaseke Chibale said the water utility company is aware of the water shortages Kalulushi residents are facing and that the company is doing everything possible to address the matter.
“We are appealing to our people in Kalulushi to be patient and we know that once the construction of the Mwambashi dam is completed, the problems we are facing will come to an end. At the moment, the people of Kalulushi are being supplied with water from Kitwe,”Mr Chibale said.
And some Kalulushi residents are happy that the reconstruction of the Mwambashi dam has started.
Henry Mabono of Location, said many people are excited that the project is underway.
“One of our major problems in Kalulushi is water. This has been a problem for many years. We all know that water is life and yet we have problems in accessing quality water and sanitation services in Kalulushi.
The problem has persisted and our only hope is in the reconstruction of the Mwambashi dam,” Mr Mabono said. / Daily Mail
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