ZAMBIA GOVT. LAUNCH KAZUNGULA WATER PROJECT

The Government of the Republic of Zambia, in partnership with the Southern African Development Community Fund for Water Infrastructure and Basic Sanitation (SADC Water Fund), launched the Kazungula Water and Basic Sanitation Project construction.

The 9.8 million Euro Project is funded by the SADC Water Fund which is hosted and managed by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) on behalf of SADC, with the support of the German Government through the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and KfW Development Bank and aims to improve access to clean water and hygienic conditions for residents of Kazungula District.

The Organisations will work closely with community leaders and residents to ensure the Project is implemented in a sustainabsustainablyGovernment is co-financing the Project as part of its commitment to the SADC regional integration agenda in infrastructure development and working towards sustainable development of the water sector for a socially and economically developed SADC Region. Kazungula border town sits at the crossroads of Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, along the banks of the Zambezi River.

In his remarks, the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Honourable Mike Mposha, noted that the Zambian Government considers Kazungula as a very strategic district in the promotion of regional integration, trade, and economic corporation among the SADC Member States of Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe that share a common boundary in the district.

The Minister said that he recognizes the huge potential that comes with this SADC transboundary project in spurring Kazungula District to a thriving regional trade and economic development hub, especially with the completion of the construction of the bridge across the Zambezi River, together with all related facilities at the one-stop border facility.

The first phase of the Project will include the construction of a new water intake to improve access to clean and safe drinking water. The second and third phases will focus on improving the sewage system with an upgrade of the water treatment plant and the improvement of communal sanitation facilities. The project will also include community education and awareness of the importance of clean water and sanitation for good health and hygiene. In addition, a 200kW PV hybrid grid-tied system will be installed as an alternative energy source to reduce dependency on scarce hydropower and ensure that the facility is climate change resilient. Once operational in 2024, the Project will cater to a population of approximately 13,000 people. Considering that the current population is about 10,000 inhabitants, this will provide services for an additional 3,000 future beneficiaries. The improvements will have a direct impact on the existing population, through improved service delivery and reliability of the system.

SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Elias Magosi, said the launch of the Project demonstrates yet another commitment by the Government of Zambia to the objectives of SADC, by pursuing development initiatives that enhance the standard and quality of life of the people of Zambia, industrialize dens at large by contributing to the regional integration agenda.

“Water provision and accessible sanitation services are crucial in our industrial development and market integration objectives. Without these services we cannot have a sustainably industrialized region,” said H.E Magosi.

In her remarks, the Ambassador of Germany to Zambia, Her Excellency Ms. Anne Wagner-Mitchell underscored the importance of the Project in meeting universal development goals. “The measures of this Project will contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6, which is ensuring availability and sustainable management of water for all,” said H.E Wagner-Mitchell.

The Group Executive of Infrastructure Delivery Division of DBSA, Mr. Chuene Ramphele, said that access to clean water and basic sanitation is not only a fundamental human right but also essential for economic productivity and ensuring good health and well-being of people. He said his organization was excited to be part of the launch of the Project which will make a positive impact on the lives of people in the community.

The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, the Provincial Minister, Senior Officials from the SADC Secretariat and the SADC Water Fund, the DBSA, representatives of KfW, senior officials from the Zambian Government and members of the community.

The event ended with an unveiling of the project site plaque by the officials/dignitaries and a ground-breaking at the construction site followed by interactions with community leaders who were on hand to welcome the initiative.