ZNS digs up Chongwe river to mitigate water shortage

The Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC) has engaged the Zambia National Service (ZNS) to help mitigate the water problems in Chongwe district.

LWSC Public Relations manager Topsy Sikalinda the water crisis in the district has been caused by the drying up of Chongwe river.

Mr. Sikalinda said ZNS has been brought on board to dig up the Chongwe river so that the current situation does not affect residents in the district next year.

He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that the digging of the river was aimed at making it deeper in order to reduce chances of it drying up.

Mr. Sikalinda said ZNS has been on sight since Thursday last week.

He expressed optimism that these efforts will bring a lasting solution to the water problem in the district.

He further said ZNS was using bulldozers and earth moving equipment to dig up the ground.

ZNS is expected to complete the works next week.

And Mr. Sikalinda has described the perennial drying up of the Chongwe river as unfortunate because it was the major source of water for the residents.

He said LWSC will however remain committed to ensuring that the situation was normalised so that the people can have access to clean water throughout the year.

Mr. Sikalinda said for now, the LWSC was transporting water by road from Lusaka to Chongwe in order to mitigate the water shortages in the district.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sikalinda said the water treatment plant in Shikabeta area in Rufunsa district was operating normally.