By John Chola
Lusaka – 14/01/2025 – MORE than 460,000 people in Kabwe and Lusaka’s Bauleni compound will soon gain access to improved water and sanitation services, thanks to a US$13.2 million loan from the African Development Fund (AfDF).
This funding is part of a broader initiative to enhance access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation in Zambia, as well as to bolster climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
The project, which is set to revolutionize water services in the country, is being further supported by a US$6.05 million grant from the European Union’s Nexus Energy and Water Programme for Zambia.
The programme is part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, aimed at addressing energy and water challenges in developing nations.
“The project aims to improve access to better-quality water and sanitation services in Kabwe and Bauleni while enhancing the operational and financial efficiency of water providers, Lukanga Water and Lusaka Water,” said Raubil Durowoju, head of the African Development Bank Group’s Country Office in Zambia.
The ambitious project includes the rehabilitation of the Mulungushi water purification plant in Kabwe, which involves upgrading the river water abstraction system, pipework for untreated water, and replacing outdated treatment and pumping equipment. Once complete, the plant will be able to produce 37,500 cubic meters of clean drinking water daily.
In addition, over 70 kilometers of water transport and distribution networks will be extended, and five boreholes will be built in Kabwe’s Kalulu and Mukobeko areas to ensure sustainable water supply.
One of the key innovative aspects of the project is the use of renewable energy technologies and smart meters to enhance energy efficiency in water production and supply.
This is expected to significantly reduce operating costs and ensure a more sustainable system.
Furthermore, partnerships with organizations such as UNICEF will support efforts to raise awareness about sanitation, hygiene, and climate resilience, targeting 10,000 Zambians.
The African Development Bank has a long-standing relationship with Zambia’s water sector, with its first intervention dating back to 1979.
Over the years, the Bank has supported 14 projects aimed at securing long-term water and sanitation services in the country, cementing its role as a vital partner in Zambia’s water development efforts.
This latest project not only improves access to clean water but also aligns with Zambia’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change, providing sustainable solutions for future generations.
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