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The Zambian government has reportedly completed a study and produced a report for the proposed Luapula–Kafue Water Transfer Project, alongside a comprehensive water development plan for the Kafue Catchment.
Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Collins Nzovu, said the milestone was achieved under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Power China in August, 2024.
Nzovu disclosed this on Tuesday when he met Wang Baoen, Vice Minister of Water Resources of the People’s Republic of China, during a courtesy call at his office in Lusaka.
He said the Ministry and Power China were set to sign a second MoU aimed at expanding planning and research efforts to the Luapula and Chambeshi catchments, ensuring a holistic approach to managing water resources in the northern circuit.
“Furthermore, we are advancing the signing of an MoU to undertake feasibility studies for Lunga and Kifubwa dams — projects that promise to enhance irrigation and water supply for our communities,” Nzovu said.
The minister noted that Zambia’s relationship with China was founded on enduring friendship and mutual respect, a bond that had flourished over many decades.
He said this historical relationship had become the foundation for building modern and resilient infrastructure, particularly in the water sector.
“The current efforts are a testament to the practical strength of our partnership, recalling with pride the signing of the MoU with Power China,” Nzovu said.
He explained that the agreement launched critical planning and research study phases for two major undertakings — the Luapula–Kafue Water Transfer Project and the Comprehensive Water Development Plan for the Kafue Catchment.
“These projects will redefine water security in Zambia. However, our ambition extends beyond these immediate agreements,” Nzovu stated.
He said the two countries had identified three key areas for future cooperation to create sustainable and long-term water management solutions.
“First, enhancing policy dialogue and technical exchange — to share best practices and ensure our national water policies are future-proofed against climate challenges,” Nzovu said.
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He added that the second focus area involved deepening cooperation on water infrastructure construction by facilitating the participation of capable Chinese enterprises in developing small to large-scale water harvesting, storage, supply, and sanitation projects that underpin Zambia’s socio-economic agenda.
The third area, he said, was strengthening capacity building through knowledge transfer and professional development for Zambian water engineers, technicians, managers, and planners via specialized training programmes to ensure sustainability of infrastructure investments.
Meanwhile, Wang said China and Zambia had maintained strong diplomatic ties since Zambia’s independence in 1964, supporting each other on core interests and fostering mutual trust.
He expressed satisfaction with Zambia’s infrastructure development and pledged China’s continued support for major projects, including the TAZARA Railway upgrade and the Kafue Gorge Lower Power Station.
“The two countries should strengthen their cooperation in areas such as water treatment, mining, agriculture, and other sectors of the economy,” Wang said.
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