Minister Nzovu blames ZESCO for water shortages in Mtendere, Kalikiliki

Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Collins Nzovu, has attributed the water shortage in Lusaka’s Mtendere, Kalikiliki compounds and surrounding areas to limited pumping hours at the boreholes due to power shortages.

Nzovu appealed to ZESCO to urgently process Lusaka Water and Sanitation Company (LWSC’s) application for a more reliable power connection.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Nzovu said this would enable the Mtendere East boreholes to be linked to a less load-shedded line at an estimated cost of K240,000.

He noted that once completed, the intervention would extend pumping hours and ensure water was available during the day when residents need it most.

“In addition, I have directed LWSC to mobilise finances to replace the leaking 300 cubic meters ground reservoir in Kalikiliki, and investigate and address the technical fault in the distribution network,” Nzovu stated.

He also directed the water utility to implement equitable water rationing measures to guarantee fair distribution of water until the situation is fully normalised.

Nzovu said these interventions were in line with the pronouncements made by President Hakainde Hichilema, during the Official Opening of Parliament, where he underscored the importance of water and energy security as key national priorities.

“Government therefore wishes to assure the people of Mtendere East, Kalikiliki, and the surrounding areas that we remain fully committed to resolving these challenges,” he assured.

Nzovu stated that with measures already in progress—securing reliable power supply, replacing reservoirs, repairing aged pipelines, and ensuring fair rationing—residents can expect gradual but steady improvements in water availability.

He empathised with all affected households and acknowledged the suffering and inconvenience caused by the erratic water supply.

“Government is committed to taking decisive measures to stabilise and improve service delivery in these communities,” Nzovu said.

He indicated that to provide immediate relief, the LWSC had deployed water bowsers to the worst-affected areas and completed an interconnection between Kalikiliki and Mtendere East to help balance supply.

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