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Government has directed the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC) to immediately collaborate with key stakeholders to address sanitation challenges at the University of Zambia (UNZA) following the release of K23 million for the institution.
Water Development and Sanitation Minister Collins Nzovu said the directive formed part of a broader, coordinated response aimed at restoring normal sanitation services and safeguarding public health at the university.
In a statement, Nzovu said LWSC would work closely with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, the Zambia National Service (ZNS), and UNZA management to ensure timely and sustainable interventions.
He noted that although UNZA retained ownership and management of its water and sanitation infrastructure, Government has taken a proactive role by providing technical and operational support through LWSC.
“This support includes rapid technical assessments, engineering advisory services on rehabilitation and upgrading of infrastructure, optimisation of water supply systems, and intensified sewer network maintenance, including manhole cleaning,” Nzovu said.
He added that public health guidance was also being provided to ensure all interventions met safety and sustainability standards.
Preliminary assessments show that the sanitation challenges stem from structural and capacity limitations within the sewer network. Much of the infrastructure—over 50 years old—has deteriorated significantly, with some sections experiencing structural failure.
Nzovu said the asbestos cement pipes in use were highly susceptible to cracking and joint failures, allowing root intrusion that leads to frequent blockages. The system is also suffering from hydraulic overloading, having been designed for a much smaller population than the current student numbers.
The situation has been worsened by improper waste disposal, including fats, oils and grease, sanitary products, plastics and other non-biodegradable materials. “Government therefore calls upon all users to exercise responsible sanitation practices to support ongoing efforts and prevent recurrence of blockages and overflows,” he said.
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Nzovu recalled that in 2025, LWSC, working with Zebra Manufacturing Zambia Limited, implemented a sewer diversion project to mitigate UNZA’s sanitation problems. The project replaced an ageing sewer line with a 3.2-kilometre PVC pipeline connected to the Kalingalinga Main Sewer Collector, improving system reliability and reducing overflows.
He said the intervention remained central to the current response, and in the immediate term, Government has directed LWSC to implement emergency mitigation measures. “These include the extension of operational hours at Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants to facilitate continuous and safe disposal of effluent using vacuum tankers, as well as the deployment of water bowsers by LWSC and ZNS to support sanitation and hygiene requirements on campus,” he said.
Nzovu assured the nation that Government was fully committed to resolving sanitation challenges at UNZA and other affected institutions in a coordinated and sustainable manner.
He also commended Government for releasing K23 million to the Ministry of Education to address water and sanitation issues at the university, saying the intervention underscores its commitment to protecting public health and improving the learning environment in public institutions.
“The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation remains steadfast in its mandate to ensure the provision of safe, reliable and sustainable water supply and sanitation services for all citizens,” he said.
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