Govt depts in Eastern Province urged to pay water bills

—Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Chilshe Mulenga, has called on government departments that owe Eastern Water and Sewerage Company (EWSC) to settle water bills to enable the company operate effectively.

Dr Mulenga stated that the provision of water for both departments and residential areas was dependant on prompt payment towards the bill to the utility company.

Speaking this morning at Eastern Province Epidemic Preparedness, Prevention, Control and Management meeting held at Luangwa Lodge in Chipata, Dr Mulenga said he was aware that Government departments owed huge sums of money for water bills.

Dr Mulenga also called on the utility company to avail the provincial administration with names and amounts departments owe so that the money is paid from the source for those that fall under control 95.

He stated that for improved water supply, domestic consumers should also ensure bills are paid on time so that the company improves on the provision of water and sanitation.

“For effective of service delivery there is also need for external injection and as Provincial Administration we are in consultation with relevant authorities so that we can have improved water and sanitation in the region,” he stressed.

The PS further said government’s emphasis would continue to be on partnerships that encourage the involvement of the public, private and civil society organizations in its quest to foster development.

He stressed the need to compile names of those engaged in health issues so that they were in attendance of meetings.
Dr Mulenga also said the threat from Ebola was still there and called on the people in the region to be alert so that all loop holes are sealed.

He also called on stakeholders and residents to willingly allow the Ministry of Health to conduct the Indoor Residue Spraying (IRS) for the exercise to succeed.

“A lot of resources are being spent by both government and partners to ensure that the Zambian people are protected from malaria hence the need to ensure the programme succeeds,” he said.

He further called on the local authorities in the region to effectively manage street vendors to improve on hygiene on the streets of the province.

Meanwhile, Dr Mulenga has expressed concern over the increased number of defilement cases in the region and accused some officers sitting on such cases.

He said children were supposed to be protected by all elderly persons so that they enjoy the fruit of childhood which comes only once in someone’s life.

The PS regretted that some government workers did not report such cases to relevant authorities.