GPZ leader, Silavwe, urges govt to set up task force for water supply, sewerage crisis

Golden Party of Zambia (GPZ) leader, Jackson Silavwe, has called on the Zambian government to establish a task force to address the growing water supply and sewerage challenges affecting the country.

Silavwe highlighted the serious risk of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, due to the erratic or nonexistent water supply in major compounds around Lusaka Province.

He emphasized that compounds like Kaunda Square, Barlastone, Mandevu, Chaisa, and George have faced water shortages for the past two to three weeks.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Silavwe pointed out that while the government’s short-term measures, such as water kiosks and bowsers, had been in place, these solutions had become increasingly expensive for citizens, particularly with the rising cost of living.

“A family of six in George Compound is spending close to K45 every day just to meet its basic water needs without storing water for the next day. Many have turned to rainwater for essential use,” Silavwe stated.

Silavwe also stressed that, as Zambia celebrates 60 years of independence, it should be able to provide stable and accessible water to all citizens. He called for making safe drinking water a basic human right.

Rather than directing large sums of taxpayer money to UPND members through consent judgments, Silavwe suggested that President Hakainde Hichilema should invest in expanding water and sewerage systems, ensuring quality of life for Zambians.

“Zambia’s population is growing, and there must be investment in new water reticulation systems, water plants, sewerage plants, and drainage pathways,” he said.

Silavwe also proposed the construction of dams in residential areas and stressed the importance of sustainable waste disposal.

He urged the government to conduct a feasibility study on the environmental implications of installing boreholes and soakaway pits in homes across emerging compounds.

“The current water and sewerage management strategies are ineffective and require urgent attention with modern solutions,” he added.

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