Government raises the alarm over drying Lufupa river threatening Kasempa’s water supply

The Government has expressed deep concern over the rapid decline of water levels in the Lufupa River, the primary source of water for Kasempa District in North Western Province.

Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Collins Nzovu, said the river which supplies over 24,000 residents through the North Western Water Supply and Sanitation Company, was drying up, posing a serious threat to the district’s water security.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Nzovu stated that this situation presents not only the risk of water scarcity but also raises public health concerns.

He said with the rainy season approaching, reduced and unsafe water supply increases the likelihood of waterborne disease outbreaks, including cholera.

Nzovu stated that the Government regarded this matter as urgent and was committed to taking decisive action, especially that Kasempa was among the 84 districts severely affected by the devastating 2023/2024 drought.

He said that unfortunately, despite the 2024/2025 rainfall season, the Lufupa River had not recovered.

“The crisis has been worsened by illegal gold mining activities along tributaries such as the Dengwe River, which have further reduced inflows into the Lufupa,” Nzovu said.

He assured that the Ministry was working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Mines to address this illegal activity, restore the river ecosystem, and protect Kasempa’s vital water sources.

Nzovu emphasized that safeguarding water availability was essential not only for public health but also for sustaining livelihoods in the district.

“In response to this ongoing challenge, Government last year directed the North Western Water Supply and Sanitation Company to work with the Department of Water Resources Development, the Department of Water Supply and Sanitation, and the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) to identify and secure alternative water sources,” he said.

Nzovu said temporary relief was achieved when the utility drew raw water from the Kamusongolwa stream.

In addition, to ensure a more durable solution, the Commercial Utility engaged Kasempa Town Council and proposed the drilling and equipping of two commercial boreholes, to be funded under the Emergency Constituency Development Fund (ECDF).

He, however, said the procurement and implementation delays have left residents vulnerable.

“The Government is fully aware of the impact this water crisis has on the people of Kasempa. Through the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, we will continue to provide full support to the Commercial Utility to implement urgent and long-term solutions,” Nzovu said.

He stated that in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the Ministry would ensure timely funding for boreholes, water distribution systems, and related infrastructure.

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