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Lusaka’s current water production as of the first quarter of 2025 has declined to 265,000 cubic metres per day against a daily demand of 480,000 cubic metres per day, Parliament has learnt.
Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Collins Nzovu, highlighted that the City’s water production capacity stood at approximately 350,000 cubic metres per day.
Nzovu told Parliament in a ministerial statement on Wednesday that of the 350,000 cubic meters, 67 percent was sourced from surface water, and 33 percent from groundwater.
He stated that due to the adverse impact of the recent drought, actual production had, however, reduced to 265,000 and that the shortfall had further underscored the urgent need for sustainable and climate-resilient water solutions.
“To secure Lusaka’s future water needs, the Government is conducting a K4.35 million feasibility study for dam construction in Chongwe District,” Nzovu revealed.
He stated that the study was currently 70 percent complete and will provide a comprehensive framework for the development of a reliable water supply system to serve over 313,000 residents.
Additionally, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Council has approved two major bulk water supply projects namely Kafue Bulk Water Supply Project (Phase II), and the Lusaka West Water Supply Project (LWWSP).
“The Kafue Bulk Water Supply will include the installation of 100,000m³/day pumps at Iolanda II, construction of a new treatment plant, booster station, transmission pipelines, a distribution centre, and a dedicated power substation,” Nzovu said.
He added that, on the other hand, the Lusaka West Water Supply Project was aimed at addressing water deficits and groundwater contamination in townships such as Garden House, George, Lilanda, and Kanyama.
Nzovu said the project was being implemented under the Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LUWSI), with multi-stakeholder support.
To improve access to safe water in peri-urban areas, he said the government had allocated K34 million to LWSC, targeting over 50,000 residents in its efforts to also contribute to cholera prevention and public health improvement.
“Following the 2018 policy shift assigning rural water and sanitation service provision to commercial utilities, the Ministry has commenced feasibility studies in Rufunsa and Kafue to explore sustainable water and sanitation delivery options for underserved rural populations,” Nzovu said.
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