THE Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation has reiterated the importance of completing infrastructure projects on time to avoid them becoming ‘white elephants’ and falling prey to vandalism.
Permanent Secretary Romas Kamanga said the government was working to revive several water supply and sanitation projects in Kitwe that stalled in 2020 due to financial constraints.
He noted that once completed, the projects would significantly improve water supply in various townships currently experiencing erratic service.
Mr Kamanga was speaking yesterday during a tour of Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company (NWSC) facilities undergoing expansion, rehabilitation, and construction.
The tour included stops at the Bulangililo Treatment Plant Expansion Project, Kafue Treatment Plant, Ndeke Distribution Centre, and Chamboli Distribution Centre.
“Some of these projects began as far back as 2017 but stalled in 2020 because of financial challenges. Projects should not be left incomplete for long periods because they risk becoming white elephants and are susceptible to vandalism and other retrogressive vices,” Mr Kamanga said.
He expressed confidence that upon completion, the projects would enhance water supply to affected communities and urged residents to safeguard public infrastructure.
“I want to take this opportunity to call on members of the public to jealously guard these facilities, as they are meant to improve their welfare,” he added.
Meanwhile, NWSC Managing Director Steven Mwale said the Permanent Secretary’s visit was aimed at assessing the utility’s challenges and working collaboratively to improve service delivery.
“The Permanent Secretary is here to listen, understand our challenges, and help us find practical solutions. This is an opportunity for us to engage and discuss how best we can enhance our operations,” Mr Mwale said.
Mr Mwale also disclosed that NWSC was constructing 19 public sanitation facilities in government schools, health centres, and public spaces as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
He said the initiative, being implemented under the WASHE component of the Government-supported Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Project (NWSSP II), is being executed by the Directorate of Infrastructure Development (DID).
The sanitation facilities are at various stages of completion across different locations, including Kafue Bridge Primary School in Zamtan, Lima Secondary School in Luto, Mulenga Combined School, Twatasha Secondary School, and Salamano Primary School along Mufulira Road, among others.
“NWSC is one of the leading water utilities on the Copperbelt, and we believe our service delivery and CSR initiatives should reflect that leadership. These sanitation facilities will help promote hygiene and public health in our communities,” Mr Mwale said.