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The African Development Bank (AfDB) has reaffirmed its support to Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC) sanitation efforts.
A high-level delegation from the Bank visited LWSC on Friday to assess progress on AfDB-financed infrastructure projects and explore opportunities for further collaboration in Zambia’s water and sanitation sector.
According to statement issued in Lusaka on Monday by Ruth Mulenga, the LWSC Manager Public Relations, the delegation, led by Mtchera Johannes Chirwa, Director of the Water and Sanitation Department, toured several key project sites under the Lusaka Sanitation Programme.
The projects included the Matero Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant, household sanitation facilities in George Township, a sewer pump station, and New Chunga Primary School, which has recently benefited from expanded sanitation infrastructure.
During the visit, Chirwa expressed satisfaction with the quality and maintenance of the infrastructure developed under the programme.
He noted that despite some facilities being over three years old, they remained in good condition, highlighting the strength of AfDB’s investment and LWSC’s operational capacity.
Chirwa reaffirmed AfDB’s commitment to Zambia’s infrastructure development goals.
“The Bank was impressed with the implementation of the Lusaka Sanitation Programme (LSP) and is open to supporting further developments not only in Lusaka but also in other towns across the country,” he said.
Chirwa added that as Lusaka continued to face population growth and rapid urbanisation, sustained investment in sanitation and water services would be essential to meet increasing demand.
At New Chunga Primary School, the delegation saw firsthand how sanitation improvements had transformed the school environment for over 3,000 pupils.
School Headteacher Binstone Tembo explained that, prior to the upgrades, the school faced critical sanitation challenges due to an insufficient number of toilets, especially for the 2,500 girls enrolled.
“The installation of dedicated toilet facilities for older girls, including menstrual hygiene-friendly designs, has significantly reduced absenteeism,” Tembo said.
He added that the improved sanitation had also eased pressure on existing infrastructure, ensuring a cleaner and healthier learning environment.
“The AfDB had so far financed the construction of more than 2,300 household toilets in Kanyama, the installation of 100 public sanitation facilities, and the laying of nearly 200 kilometres of sewer network,” Mulenga said in jis speech.
Similalry, LWSC Managing Director, Jilly Chiyombwe, thanked AfDB for its longstanding partnership and emphasised the company’s readiness to scale up inclusive and climate-resilient water and sanitation services.
He noted that the visible impact of AfDB’s support could be seen in improved service delivery and enhanced community well-being.
Meanwhile, Mulenga highlighted that over 7,800 new household sewer connections have also been provided, along with the development of the Matero Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant.
She stated that AfDB was also currently funding the integration of the Bauleni water supply system with the Kafue water system to enhance water supply in the area.
“These interventions have significantly improved sanitation coverage across Lusaka. Communities in high-density areas such as Kanyama, Emmasdale, Chaisa, George, Chawama, Kaunda Square Stage 1, Matero, and parts of Kafue Road are among the key beneficiaries of the expanded sewer network,” Mulenga said.
The visit concluded with renewed commitment from both AfDB and LWSC to work together in expanding access to water and sanitation infrastructure, leveraging the success of the Lusaka Sanitation Programme to drive broader development outcomes nationwide.
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