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Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, has urged residents of Lusaka to intensify water conservation efforts as the city experiences reduced water supply hours reportedly caused by the prolonged effects of drought.
Nzovu emphasised that every citizen has a responsibility to use water wisely, store it safely, and prevent wastage, especially as the country continues to grapple with the adverse impacts of climate change on water availability and production.
The Minister said this in a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday by Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer Prince Chiyuni.
He disclosed that the persistent drought has caused a significant drop in water levels across Lusaka’s major sources, leading to a daily production deficit of approximately 185,000 cubic metres (185 million litres) against a daily demand of 490,000 cubic metres.
Nzovu stated that, as a result, the average water supply in most parts of the province has been reduced to about 14 hours per day, compared to the usual 18 to 20 hours under normal conditions.
“The situation is particularly critical in communities that depend primarily on boreholes and in areas situated on higher ground or at the far ends of the distribution network,” he noted.
Nzovu further said the Government, through the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC), has intensified interventions to stabilise supply by developing hybrid-powered groundwater production sources and expanding distribution networks.
He explained that the efforts, valued at approximately K56 million over the past two years, are aimed at enhancing both the reliability and reach of water supply across the city.
“We are doing everything possible to sustain and stabilise water distribution despite the current challenges. However, the most effective solution ultimately depends on how responsibly we, as citizens, use and conserve the available water,” the Minister said.
Nzovu appealed to all residents to practise heightened water conservation—using water only when necessary, avoiding wastage, and promptly reporting leaks and bursts to LWSC for swift response.
“Each drop saved contributes to sustaining supply for everyone,” he added.
The Minister assured the public that the Government remained firmly committed to building a more resilient and sustainable water supply system and strengthening infrastructure to ensure water security in the face of climate-induced challenges.
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