Lusaka Water needs $4bn for development

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Drinking Water, Water Supply, Fresh Water
Drinking Water, Water Supply, Fresh Water

LUSAKA Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC) needs over US$4 billion for infrastructure development to improve water supply in the capital city. 
Government has already sourced a US$355 million grant from the United States government through the Millennium Challenge Corporation to implement the priority areas of the investment plan through the Lusaka water supply, sanitation and drainage project.
In a statement availed to the Daily Mail in Lusaka by company public relations officer Topsy Sikalinda, Government is also negotiating for about US$150 million for a new 50 million litre capacity water treatment plant.
“LWSC is investing in the water sector to improve service delivery to residents of Lusaka. To this effect, LWSC has developed master plans for water and sanitation services which require an investment of over US$4 billion in infrastructure development.
“Currently, the government is also negotiating for a US$150 million new water treatment plant to be constructed through a cooperating partner which will produce about 50 million litres under the Kafue bulk project,” Mr Sikalinda said.
He said negotiations have reached an advanced stage and that once the deal is sealed, it will take about 24 months to complete.
Mr Sikalinda, however, said funds sourced for the Lusaka water supply, sanitation and drainage project will improve water services in Lusaka benefitting over 1.2 million people.
“This project is very active and is now involved in various procurement processes and we are optimistic that actual construction works will begin next year,” he said.
Mr Sikalinda said another huge project, the Lusaka sanitation project, will be implemented and will enable LWSC to rehabilitate the Manchinchi Road sewage treatment plant and the Chunga sewage treatment plant.
He said another water treatment plant with a capacity of 600 million litres is being planned at a cost of over US$500 million and is expected to be financed by the African Development Bank and Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Mr Sikalinda said LWSC, which covers Lusaka, Kafue, Chongwe and Luangwa, continues to target improved services in water supply and sanitation to meet the growing needs of the customers.

Zambia Daily Mail

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