Lusaka, Zambia – 17 June 2025 — In a bold move aimed at strengthening Zambia’s water governance, Water Development and Sanitation Minister Collins Nzovu has officially appointed a new Board of Directors for the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA), with renowned water specialist Dr John Kunda taking the helm as Chairperson.
The announcement, made via a formal statement issued Monday, marks a strategic leadership shift at a time when the country’s water systems face unprecedented challenges.
Minister Nzovu emphasized the urgency of the board’s mandate, noting that Zambia’s water resources are increasingly strained by pollution, overuse, and the growing impacts of climate change. He called for decisive and accountable leadership to address these pressures head-on.
“Water is life. It is the bedrock of our agriculture, industry, health systems, and ecosystems. Our economy and livelihoods depend on it,” Nzovu said. “Yet, it is under mounting pressure from pollution, over-extraction, and climate change — pressures that demand innovative, firm, and accountable leadership. Your appointment comes at a time of national urgency.”
One of the board’s top priorities will be strengthening enforcement to reduce water pollution, particularly from gold mining and processing operations across the country. Minister Nzovu urged the newly appointed team to intensify efforts to hold polluters accountable, and to ensure that both small- and large-scale mining activities operate within the environmental laws and guidelines set by WARMA.
“With the rise of mining operations — legal and illegal — comes increased risk to our rivers, streams, and groundwater,” Nzovu noted. “It is WARMA’s duty to protect these vital resources for future generations.”
Dr John Kunda, the new WARMA board chairperson, is a respected voice in water resource management, with decades of experience in environmental governance, policy development, and sustainable water systems. His appointment is expected to bring a results-driven approach to WARMA’s leadership, aligning technical expertise with strong institutional oversight.
Under the new board’s leadership, WARMA is expected to sharpen its regulatory role by strengthening monitoring systems for water quality and usage, increasing transparency and public engagement in water management decisions, enforcing compliance in the extractive industries, and promoting climate-resilient water management strategies.
Minister Nzovu concluded his address by calling on the private sector, civil society, and local communities to collaborate with WARMA in protecting Zambia’s precious water resources. He stressed that sustainable water management is not just a government responsibility, but a shared national mission.
“The board you now form is not just a policy body — it is a guardianship of our nation’s most vital natural asset. You carry the hopes of millions of Zambians who depend on clean, accessible water every day,” he said.
As Zambia navigates the complex intersection of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience, the new WARMA board is poised to play a crucial role in shaping a more secure water future for all.