In a move aimed at preventing the spread of cholera, Zambia’s Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, has announced a comprehensive set of measures to address water supply and sanitation challenges in high-risk areas. Speaking at a press briefing, Mr. Nzovu highlighted the crucial role of accessible and safe water in combating cholera, particularly in vulnerable communities. He also identified specific cholera hotspots that have been the focus of targeted interventions.
One of the key actions taken is the deployment of water bowsers by Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company. These efforts are concentrated in peri-urban areas, including Kanyama, George, Bauleni, Kabanana, and Chainda, where the water supply infrastructure is limited. The water bowsers aim to provide residents with access to clean water, minimizing the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera. In addition, the Lusaka City Council has intensified solid waste management efforts in high-risk areas such as Chibolya and Kanyama, addressing the issues of poor waste disposal, which is a major contributor to cholera outbreaks.
In Muchinga Province, Chambeshi Water Supply and Sanitation Company has stationed a water bowser in Gabon Township to support vulnerable households with safe water. Meanwhile, Southern Water Supply and Sanitation Company has introduced a 10,000-liter water bowser and a vacuum tanker to swiftly address sanitation and water needs in the region.
With shallow wells posing significant health risks, the government has begun distributing water purification tablets and domestic chlorine across the country. Eastern Water Supply and Sanitation Company has also drilled emergency boreholes in Katete, while upgrading water systems in Petauke and Chipata to improve water availability and quality.
To further ensure safe drinking water, Southern Water Supply and Sanitation Company has stockpiled water treatment chemicals, and the government has enhanced nationwide water quality surveillance. This surveillance aims to detect and address any potential contamination promptly, ensuring safe water supply for all citizens.
Mr. Nzovu commended the ongoing collaboration between water utility companies and local authorities. He emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health by addressing water and sanitation challenges and preventing cholera outbreaks through sustained and proactive interventions.
The announcement comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure that communities, especially those in vulnerable regions, have access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities, reducing the risks of disease outbreaks. As Zambia works to tackle the cholera threat, the public is urged to continue practicing good hygiene and report any issues with water and sanitation to local authorities.
By prioritizing water supply and sanitation, the government of Zambia hopes to protect the health of its citizens and prevent the recurrence of cholera outbreaks in the future.
