Lusaka’s €130 million sewer upgrade to benefit 1.2 million residents —Minister Nzovu

At least 1.2 million residents in Lusaka are set to benefit from a €130 million project by the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC), aimed at upgrading the city’s sewer and sanitation systems.

The project, announced by Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, would involve the construction of a sewer reticulation system and new wastewater treatment plants at Ngwerere and Chunga, supported by the European Investment Bank and Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW).

During a media briefing in Lusaka on Thursday, Nzovu stated that the upgrades to sewer systems in Matero, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), were scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

“The rehabilitation of the collapsed sewer outflow main in Mandevu and ongoing efforts to address blockages in Kaunda Square and other townships demonstrate the Ministry’s commitment to improving Lusaka’s sanitation infrastructure,” Nzovu said.

He also highlighted that, under the Cholera Response Plan, LWSC had completed a sewer reticulation system in Kanyama, with residents encouraged to connect to the network.

Additionally, resources have been secured for constructing 416 emptiable household sanitation facilities in Kanyama and 50 public sanitation facilities across Lusaka, with nine expected to be completed in 2024 and the remainder by 2025.

LWSC continues to provide pit latrine emptying services in peri-urban areas, having emptied over 23,000 latrines to date.

Nzovu urged residents to utilise these services and support government efforts to eliminate waterborne diseases like cholera.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) by 2030, Nzovu emphasized the importance of sanitation in protecting public health, promoting economic growth, and enhancing quality of life.

He called on residents to help safeguard infrastructure by avoiding solid waste disposal in sewers, preventing vandalism and reporting issues to authorities.

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