Zambia’s water utility warns against illegal construction on protected land in Lusaka

The Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC) has warned members of the public against carrying out construction on its land in Garden Township, saying the activity was illegal and threatened key future water infrastructure.

Public Relations Manager, Ruth Mukuwa, said the five-acre area forms part of land reserved for critical installations, including future water storage facilities and a planned booster station under the Lusaka Water City Improvement Project, which is still under feasibility and design.

In a statement on Thursday, she said the utility had taken “firm legal and administrative action” to stop the encroachment, issuing notices to the Ngwerere Ward 22 councillor and unidentified developers to halt demarcation and construction works and remove illegal structures.

“It has also engaged the Garden community, Ward Development Committees and other stakeholders, advising them to immediately stop the illegal activities,” Mukuwa said.

LWSC has filed originating summons for summary possession of the land, along with an application for an injunction to restrain further development. It has also engaged the Lusaka City Council, which she said had committed to issuing enforcement notices against the unauthorised developments.

Mukuwa said the illegal construction threatened planned infrastructure and risked undermining sustainable water and sanitation service delivery in the capital.

“As the city continues to grow, particularly in the eastern and western corridors, it is critical to protect land reserved for essential infrastructure needed to support future expansion,” she said.

She cautioned the public against purchasing or acquiring plots in the affected area, saying such transactions were unlawful and would not be recognised by LWSC or relevant authorities.

“The Company remains committed to protecting public assets and ensuring that infrastructure development is undertaken in a planned, lawful and sustainable manner for the benefit of all Lusaka residents,” she said.

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