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The government has heightened national water quality surveillance, focusing on detecting and addressing potential contamination swiftly to maintain safety standards.
According to Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Collins Nzovu, this was meant to protect public health and ensure access to safe water and sanitation for all following the outbreak of Cholera in the country.
Speaking at a media briefing at his office in Lusaka on Tuesday, Nzovu said Commercial Utilities had implemented robust measures to support vulnerable communities, especially in identified Cholera hotspots.
He stated that this was with a recognition of the critical role of water supply and sanitation in preventing Cholera across the country.
“Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company has prioritized peri-urban areas such as Kanyama, George, Bauleni, Kabanana, and Chainda by providing water services through bowsers to ensure residents have access to safe water,” Nzovu said.
He stated that the commercial utility had partnered with Lusaka City Council to strengthen solid waste management in hotspots such as Chibolya and Kanyama, addressing risks associated with poor waste disposal.
Nzovu said WASH Cluster meetings, chaired by the Ministry and supported by stakeholders including the Ministry of Health and UNICEF among others, were ensuring a coordinated and effective response to cholera prevention and preparedness.
“Chambeshi Water Supply and Sanitation Company has deployed a water bowser to Gabon Township in Nakonde to assist vulnerable households,” he stated.
Additionally, the Southern Water Supply and Sanitation Company maintains a standby 10,000-liter water bowser and vacuum tanker for rapid response to water and sanitation needs.
Nzovu said the Water Utility company had also extended these efforts to shallow wells in Nakonde, supplementing them with the distribution of water purification tablets and domestic Chlorine to residents.
Similarly, Eastern Water Supply and Sanitation Company had drilled emergency boreholes in Katete and is upgrading water systems in Petauke and Chipata to restore and improve supply.
“The Water Utiltiy Company has also intensified procurement of critical inputs like Chlorine and aluminium sulphate to support continued treatment and distribution,” he said.
In preparation for sustained intervention, Nzovu stated that the Southern Water Supply and Sanitation Company had stockpiled essential water treatment chemicals, ensuring uninterrupted water quality management.
Read More: Lusaka Central Business District filth sparks government warning on cholera risk
Nzovu stated that to enhance water quality, Commercial Utilities were employing superchlorination techniques to ensure safe drinking water, exceeding the standard chlorine levels to prevent post-contamination in water networks and storage facilities.
He reaffirmed that all Commercial Utilities were actively implementing the outlined interventions, particularly super chlorination, to strengthen their resistance to Cholera during this period.
“These efforts demonstrate the resilience and dedication of the water sector to safeguard public health during this critical time,” Nzovu said.
He stated that despite challenges such as load shedding and drought, Commercial Utilities continue to innovate and collaborate, ensuring communities receive the support they need.
Nzovu urged all citizens to use the safe water services provided by Commercial Utilities and to adopt hygiene practices that contribute to Cholera prevention.
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