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The government has called on Commercial Utilities to intensify efforts to reduce Non-Revenue Water, describing it as a major challenge to the financial sustainability of the water and sanitation sector.
In his farewell speech during a meeting with Commercial Utilities in Lusaka on Monday, the out-going Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Collins Nzovu said the engagement was necessary to appreciate the utilities for their support, dedication, and commitment during his tenure.
Nzovu noted that despite the challenges facing the sector, Commercial Utilities had continued implementing key infrastructure projects, expanding service coverage, improving operational efficiency, and responding to drought and public health challenges.
He said the government was also encouraged by efforts being made to improve revenue collection and operational efficiencies, he said.
“However, I wish to encourage all Commercial Utilities to intensify efforts towards reducing Non-Revenue Water, which remains a major challenge affecting the financial sustainability of the sector,” the Minister said.
He added that government remained fully aware of the challenges affecting Commercial Utilities, including historical debt, aging infrastructure, rising operational costs, climate change, and non-cost-reflective tariffs.
Nzovu stated that the issues continued to impact financial sustainability and service delivery across the sector.
“In response, reforms have continued to be implemented aimed at strengthening the sector and improving the sustainability of Commercial Utilities,” he said.
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Nzovu said the measures included tariff adjustments designed to support cost recovery, enhance operational viability, and enable utilities to maintain, rehabilitate, and expand water and sanitation infrastructure while continuing to provide affordable services to the public.
“The enactment of the Water Supply and Sanitation Bill, 2026, recently passed by Parliament is another important milestone that will strengthen sector governance, enhance regulation, improve accountability, and support more efficient and sustainable service delivery across the country,” the Minister stated.
He also pointed to the decision to zero-rate selected imported water supply and sanitation materials, equipment, and essential supplies as a step that will reduce the cost of infrastructure development and project implementation.
Nzovu noted that this would enable Commercial Utilities to accelerate service expansion, network rehabilitation, and other critical investments required to improve water security and sanitation services.
The Minister urged all Commercial Utilities and stakeholders to accelerate the implementation and completion of ongoing projects, including bulk water supply projects, sanitation expansion programmes, and network rehabilitation initiatives, to ensure communities realise benefits within the shortest possible time.
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