Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, has called for severe punishment for individuals vandalizing water infrastructure, emphasizing the urgent need to protect essential resources.
Speaking during his visit to Livingstone, Nzovu highlighted the widespread vandalism affecting both the water and energy sectors, underscoring the importance of deterrence through strict penalties.
"Only when punishments are brutal will attitudes change," Nzovu stated, pointing to the rampant vandalism plaguing the energy sector as a critical issue that demands immediate attention.
The Minister also announced that the Zambian government has secured €2 million to procure and install a floating water intake system in response to the decreasing water levels in the Zambezi River.
This development is part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure a reliable water supply for the residents of Livingstone amidst growing concerns over water scarcity.
"We have heard the concerns of the people, and we are here to assure them of the quality of supply," Nzovu said.
"Currently, we have a fixed intake system, but with the river levels decreasing, it is becoming increasingly difficult to pump water efficiently, especially at the peak of the dry season."
Nzovu revealed that the government has also obtained an additional €3 million from the German government to support this project, which aims to shift the water intake for Livingstone to the middle of the Zambezi River.
The new floating intake will be designed to adapt to the fluctuating water levels, making it a climate-smart solution.
"In times when we have sufficient water, we will ensure its availability, but we must address the water scarcity challenges we face.
We need to secure the water supply, particularly for critical periods," the Minister explained.
He further emphasized the importance of reducing non-revenue water losses and called on the people of Livingstone to use water resources responsibly.
Nzovu also warned against vandalism, noting that most of the manhole covers have been removed, which poses a significant threat to the water supply system.
"We must take care of the infrastructure. If we don't have quality water supply, we risk outbreaks of cholera, and people could die," Nzovu cautioned.
"The water levels are extremely low, and we are facing the effects of El Niño. We need to ensure that the projects we have started are completed to secure both water and energy supplies."
The Minister’s visit to Livingstone comes at a critical time when the city is grappling with the impacts of climate change on its water resources.
The government's swift action and investment in new infrastructure are expected to alleviate some of the challenges posed by the decreasing water levels in the Zambezi River.
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