Zambia: President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema has commissioned the US$450 million Kafulafuta water supply system project. The project has become operational in Masaiti district in the Copperbelt Province of the country and will benefit several communities.
The water supply project started approximately seven years ago for the benefit of the various communities within Copperbelt. The project is aimed at enhancing water supply and reticulation in Mpongwe, Masaiti, Luanshya and Ndola districts.
The President of the nation took the opportunity to inspect the inspecting the facility and deliver a brief address at the commissioning ceremony. Hichilema said the project was previously stalled due to mismanagement of resources by the previous administration.
President Hichilema said the water dam project will benefit hundreds of people in the Copperbelt Province through the provision of clean and safe drinking water
Meanwhile, the Head of State has instructed Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Collins Nzovu, to ensure that excess water from the dam is used to boost economic activities and promote climate resilient projects.
He said the water body has thousands of litres of water that can boost various economic activities such as gardening and fish farming.
President Hichilema further urged the Kafubu Water and Sanitation Company to make sure that the project is protected and preserved for generations.
The President of Zambia said government will ensure that all stalled projects in the Copperbelt Province are funded and completed in due course.
Meanwhile, Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Collins Nzovu, thanked President Hichilema for facilitating the release of US$200 million aimed at completing the project on time.
Furthermore, Nzovu said the Head of State has shown exemplary leadership by unlocking the debt owed by the previous administration towards the project.
The Kafulafuta dam water supply system project was designed to significantly enhance water supply, delivering 159,000 cubic metres of water daily and ramping up to 300,000 cubic metres of water in the long term.
The water supply system project also encompasses the repair and expansion of urban pipeline networks, construction of advanced water supply infrastructure and the integration of modern water management technology.