Dr. John Kunda Appointed as WARMA Board Chairperson
The Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) has officially announced the appointment of its sixth Board of Directors, unveiled by the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu.
The new Board, appointed under Section 11 of the Water Resources Management Act No. 21 of 2011, will serve a three-year term effective June 2025. Dr. John E. L. Kunda has been named as the new Board Chairperson.
During the unveiling ceremony, Hon. Nzovu emphasized the critical need for strategic management and enhanced protection of Zambia’s water resources in light of growing climate challenges.
He called on the new Board to intensify the enforcement of water regulations, tackle pollution, designate Water Resources Protection Zones, and ensure effective implementation of Water Harvesting and Storage Regulations. The Minister also urged the Board to lead with transparency, accountability, and strategic foresight.
The Board comprises professionals with diverse expertise in water resource management, engineering, environmental protection, law, and traditional leadership. Alongside Dr. Kunda, members include Ms. Chilekwa Christabel Mibenge, Eng. Wesley Lwiindi, Chieftainess Muwezwa (Rhoda Muweza), Ms. Antonia Chisanga, Mr. Edson Nkonde, Mr. Alex L. Kabwe, Ms. Lynn M. B. Syanziba, and Mr. Joseph Jimu Daka.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Dr. Kunda acknowledged the impacts of climate change and the urgent need to build national resilience. He stressed the importance of investing in water harvesting, groundwater recharge, and storage infrastructure.
He also announced the Board’s commitment to reducing the water permit processing period to one month by streamlining internal systems and digitizing operations to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Dr. Kunda reaffirmed the Board’s focus on institutional integrity, inclusive development, and ensuring that water resources contribute meaningfully to economic growth and improved livelihoods.
He pledged that the Board would work closely with government agencies, stakeholders, and local communities to protect and manage Zambia’s water assets in alignment with national priorities and the provisions of the Water Resources Management Act.
WARMA congratulated the newly appointed Board and expressed confidence in their capacity to provide visionary leadership. The Authority reiterated its commitment to sustainable water governance, innovation, and transparency for the benefit of both present and future generations.
