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Zambia Monitor has been awarded first place in the online media category of the 2024 Water Supply and Sanitation Recognition Awards, honoring outstanding journalism that highlights critical issues in the sector.
The awards were presented during the launch of the 2024 Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Report, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of water and sanitation regulation in Zambia.
Zambia Monitor Managing Editor, Maimbolwa Mulikelela, earned the top prize for her special report, “All We Want Is Water! What Lifeline for Zambia’s Thirsty Households?”, a deeply researched story depicting the daily struggles of residents grappling with erratic water supply.
“The article highlighted the harsh reality many Zambians face—aging infrastructure, unreliable boreholes, and inconsistent supply that force families to wake as early as 04:00 to fetch water,” Mulikelela said.
“Many households are left with no choice but to draw water from shallow wells or contaminated sources, risking disease and deepening public health concerns.
She said: “We are committed at Zambia Monitor to producing well-researched stories that spark real change.”
Other media recipients included Womba Kasela of the Makanday Centre (2nd place, online), Chileshe Mwango of Phoenix FM (1st place, radio), and Melody Mupeta of Zambia Daily Mail (Most Consistent Reporter).
In the utility category, Eastern Water and Sewerage Company (EWSC) was named Best Commercial Utility, while Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) was awarded Most Improved Utility.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Eng. Collins Nzovu, acknowledged sector progress but stressed ongoing challenges including high non-revenue water, climate-induced droughts, and ageing infrastructure.
He outlined government responses, including the implementation of the 2024 National Water Policy, a new Water Supply and Sanitation Bill expected by September 2025, and a national drought response plan targeting over 2 million Zambians.
The Minister also announced Zambia’s hosting of the Third Pan-African Conference on Water (PANAFCON-3) in May 2025, where over 1,500 delegates—including seven Heads of State—will convene to chart Africa’s water security future.
The event also recognised utilities for specific achievements.
Lukanga Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LpWSC) was recognised under Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, while Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC) was honoured in the Onsite Sanitation and Faecal Sludge Management category.
Chief executive officers, Eng. Gift Monde of Southern Water and Sanitation Company, Eng. Ndilalakulampa Hamalambo of Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company, and Eng. Jilly Chiyombwe of Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company were recognised for outstanding leadership.
MWSC was further acknowledged for staff efficiency, sanitation service coverage, metering ratio, non-revenue water management, O&M cost coverage by collection, and collection efficiency.
Kafubu Water and Sanitation Company (KWSC) was recognised for sanitation service coverage and hours of supply, while North Western Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) took the award for water service coverage.
Eastern Water and Sewerage Company (EWSC), Lukanga Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LpWSC), and North Western Water and Sewerage Company (NWWSC) were also jointly recognised for metering ratio.
Western Water and Sewerage Company (WWSSC) and MWSC received awards for collection efficiency, while SWSC and WWSSC were commended for water quality standards.
A special 20-year service award was presented to Ruth Mwiinga for her long-standing contribution to the sector.
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