Chingola | 30 April 2025
The Parliamentary Committee on Parastatal Bodies is pushing for a much-needed boost in investment for water and sanitation infrastructure to improve service delivery and tackle the issue of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) losses throughout Zambia.
During a recent visit to the Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited (MWSC) in Chingola, Committee Chairperson Dr. Chitalu Chilufya praised the advancements made under the Zambia Water and Sanitation Project (ZWSP). This government-led initiative, backed by development partners, aims to enhance water supply and sanitation systems in both urban and peri-urban areas.
Dr. Chilufya recognized the improvements in water production capacity but stressed the importance of investing in the aging water distribution networks to avoid inefficiencies. “We appreciate the infrastructure we’ve seen today. However, we’re urging for more investment, particularly in the water distribution network, to ensure that the enhanced production capacity isn’t compromised by old and leaking pipes,” he remarked.
The Committee pointed out the pressing issue of Non-Revenue Water (NRW)—water that’s lost due to leaks, theft, or inaccurate metering—calling on MWSC to implement modern, efficient infrastructure to minimize losses and boost financial sustainability. “MWSC must significantly cut down on water wastage caused by Non-Revenue Water. This can only happen with targeted investments in modern, efficient water infrastructure that aligns with the upgrades in water production,” Dr. Chilufya added.
MWSC Managing Director Ndilakulampa Hamalambo confirmed that the ZWSP has greatly enhanced water production and distribution capabilities but noted that challenges persist with the aging distribution network. “The ZWSP has revitalized essential infrastructure, but its main focus has been on the supply side. Ongoing issues in the distribution system require further investment to ensure consistent service delivery,” he stated.
