By 
In Lusaka’s George Compound, a daily struggle for clean water reflects the grim reality of Zambia’s water crisis.
Aging infrastructure, erratic supply schedules, and unreliable boreholes leave residents like Maria Mwansa in a constant search for water.
“I wake up at 4 a.m. to queue at the borehole.
Sometimes, the water runs out before my turn, and I have to buy from vendors at K1 per 20-litre container,” Maria shares.
For her and many others, the high cost of water is both a financial burden and a reminder of the inadequacies in Zambia’s water supply system.
The Crisis of Unsustainable Tariffs
Zambia’s water utilities face mounting challenges, primarily due to outdated tariffs that fail to reflect operational costs.
Utilities rely heavily on inconsistent government subsidies and donor funding, leaving them unable to maintain infrastructure or expand services to underserved areas.
Kelvin Chitumbo, Director of the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) as quoted in the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector report, notes that the financial mismatch is stark: “It costs K12.61 to deliver water and sanitation services, yet these are sold at an average of K7.90.”
The Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC), responsible for serving Lusaka Province, exemplifies the issue.
Despite a five percent increase in water connections and nearly 5,000 new sewer connections in 2023, inefficiencies persist.
Key districts like Rufunsa remain unserviced, and water supply coverage in Chongwe remains inadequate.
Read more: Govt set to commission Kafulafuta water supply project
Metering challenges and Non-Revenue Water (NRW)—unbilled water due to leaks or theft—have worsened, further straining resources.
While LWSC installed 12,000 new meters in 2023, it remains ill-equipped to monitor consumption effectively.
The Human Cost of Inaction
In underserved communities, the consequences of inadequate water access are dire.
Families spend hours fetching water, sacrificing time that could be spent earning income or attending school.
The rainy season compounds the crisis, with poor sanitation and waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery threatening public health.
Maria’s story mirrors the struggles of many households.
“All we want is water we can afford. If higher tariffs mean the government will fix the pipes and bring water to our homes, then it’s worth it,” she says.
Calls for Reform
Engineer Romas Kamanga, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, emphasizes the urgent need for cost-reflective tariffs.
“Water tariffs in Zambia have not been adjusted in nearly six years, while the costs of fuel, water treatment chemicals, and other operational expenses have risen significantly,” Kamanga explains.
He highlights the government’s hesitation to revise tariffs during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and cholera outbreaks.
“Raising tariffs during these times would have worsened the situation for low-income households,” he says.
However, Kamanga insists that reforms cannot be delayed indefinitely.
Cost-reflective tariffs are necessary to ensure sustainable operations and maintain critical infrastructure.
“Our view is that if we can prevent cholera and stabilize public health, we can begin implementing tariffs that reflect the true cost of water delivery,” Kamanga adds.
Economic and Environmental Perspectives
Cost-reflective pricing is not merely about financial sustainability—it also promotes responsible water use and environmental conservation.
“Water doesn’t magically appear from taps; it originates from nature,” explains Beauty Shamboko-Mbale, WWF Zambia’s Freshwater Programme Lead.
“We’ve degraded ecosystems over time, weakening their ability to cleanse water naturally and driving up treatment costs.”
Shamboko-Mbale argues that recognizing water as an economic good encourages efficient use, fosters confidence in its quality, and reduces waste.
It also generates revenue for reinvestment in infrastructure, enabling utilities to extend services to underserved areas.
Additionally, reflective pricing supports climate resilience by encouraging sustainable practices like water recycling and ecosystem restoration.
“By restoring ecosystems, we strengthen natural buffers against climate shocks like droughts and floods,” she adds.
Balancing Affordability and Sustainability
While cost-reflective tariffs are essential, measures must be in place to protect low-income households.
Shamboko-Mbale advocates for a tiered pricing system or targeted subsidies to ensure affordability for basic water needs.
“We must ensure that vulnerable groups are not disproportionately affected,” she emphasizes.
“Higher consumption should reflect the true cost of water, but essential needs must remain affordable.”
Steps Toward a Sustainable Future
Zambia’s path to sustainable water management lies in a balanced approach that combines cost-reflective pricing, operational efficiency, and targeted support for vulnerable populations.
Efforts to improve Onsite Sanitation (OSS) and Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) have shown promise, with utilities reporting over 50,000 new septic tanks and latrines in 2023.
These initiatives, coupled with investments in metering and infrastructure, can enhance service delivery and reduce NRW.
Chitumbo underscores the importance of continued focus and investment: “Water services are critical to Zambia’s socioeconomic well-being and require sustained attention to improve access and sustainability.”
The Way Forward
For residents like Maria, the hope is simple: a future where water flows consistently through taps, freeing them from the daily struggle.
For Zambia, achieving this vision requires bold reforms.
Cost-reflective tariffs, supported by strategic investments and compassionate policies, are key to breaking the cycle of water scarcity and ensuring equitable access for all.
“Water is life,” Shamboko-Mbale concludes.
“Managing it sustainably is our shared responsibility. Together, we can secure a water-secure future for generations to come.”
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