In a bid to tackle the persistent issue of non-revenue water plaguing communities across the region, Southern Water and Sanitation Company Limited has announced the initiation of a groundbreaking project aimed at minimizing water losses and optimizing distribution efficiency.
Speaking on behalf of the company, Wallace Shawa, Director of Operations, outlined the key objectives of the project during a press conference earlier today.
"We recognize the pressing need to address the issue of non-revenue water within our service areas," Shawa stated.
"To that end, we are launching a comprehensive initiative that focuses on installing water meters and expanding water network coverage to ensure equitable access to clean water for all residents."
The project, valued at a substantial £450,000, is slated to conclude in November 2025 and is expected to benefit approximately 14,000 people residing in underserved areas.
One of the primary strategies of the initiative involves the installation of water meters, which will enable accurate measurement of water consumption and facilitate better management of resources.
Shawa emphasized the importance of water conservation and highlighted the role that metering plays in promoting responsible usage.
"By implementing water meters, we aim to encourage conservation practices among consumers and minimize wastage," he explained.
"This not only ensures the sustainable utilization of water resources but also helps in reducing operational losses associated with non-revenue water."
Furthermore, the project seeks to address the disparity in water network coverage, particularly in areas where access to reliable water supply is limited.
"It is imperative that we extend our water network to cover the entire service area, thus reaching communities that have been underserved for far too long," Shawa emphasized.
In addition to the overarching project, Southern Water and Sanitation Company Limited is launching a pilot program aimed at identifying and rectifying sources of non-revenue water within specific regions.
"Our pilot project will serve as a testing ground for innovative solutions to combat non-revenue water," Shawa noted.
"We are committed to implementing comprehensive strategies that not only address the symptoms but also target the root causes of water losses."
Shawa expressed concern over the alarming levels of non-revenue water in certain areas, particularly citing Livingstone as a prime example.
"Livingstone is currently experiencing significant losses due to non-revenue water, and it is imperative that we take decisive action to reverse this trend," he asserted.
"Through collaborative efforts and strategic interventions, we are confident that we can mitigate the impact of non-revenue water and ensure sustainable water management practices for generations to come."
As Southern Water and Sanitation Company Limited embarks on this ambitious endeavor, stakeholders and community members alike are hopeful that the initiative will herald a new era of efficiency, accountability, and accessibility in water management across the region.
And Ruben Sipuma, Senior Country Manager and Regional Policy and Regulatory Lead for Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP), provided insights into the progress of a transformative water project underway in the Ngwewnya area.
Sipuma highlighted the significant strides made and the projected benefits for the community during an interview.
"With this project, we aim to bring clean and accessible water to approximately 14,000 residents in the Ngwewnya area," Sipuma stated.
"Currently, we have completed 5 kilometers of the water network, with plans to extend it further to cover a total distance of 13.2 kilometers."
To address the issue of non-revenue water and ensure efficient usage, Sipuma revealed that WSUP is procuring 700 water meters. These meters will play a crucial role in monitoring water consumption and detecting any losses in the system.
"The implementation of smart meters will allow us to remotely monitor water usage and identify areas where improvements are needed," Sipuma explained.
"Our goal is to ensure that the water supplied is accurately measured and accounted for, laying the foundation for sustainable water management practices."
Sipuma emphasized the importance of building the capacity of the water company and fostering community ownership of the water supply.
"We are working closely with local water authorities to enhance their capabilities and provide 24-hour support for water services," he remarked. "It is only when people have reliable access to water that they will be willing to invest in its sustainability."
Reflecting on WSUP's collaboration with local stakeholders, Sipuma underscored the organization's long-standing partnership with the water utility, SAWSCO, dating back to 2018.
"Together, we are committed to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and promoting responsible water usage," he stated.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Sipuma noted that non-revenue water in Livingstone currently stands at a staggering 48 percent.
"Reducing this figure is imperative for ensuring the equitable distribution of water resources and enhancing the resilience of communities," he asserted.
As WSUP continues its efforts to improve water access and efficiency in Ngwewnya and beyond, Sipuma expressed optimism about the project's long-term impact.
"By empowering communities and strengthening water management systems, we can create a more sustainable future for all," he concluded.
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