Lusaka Water Rationing Raises Concerns About Public Health
The Zambia NGO WASH Forum has expressed serious concerns about the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company’s (LWSC) decision to ration water for up to 10 hours per day due to low electricity supply.
The Forum, which represents civil society organizations working on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), warns that this rationing could worsen the public health situation in Lusaka, which is still recovering from a cholera outbreak last year.
“Water is life, and inadequate access can lead to a number of health problems,” said Marlon Phiri, Board Chairperson of the NGO WASH Forum. “Rationing will disproportionately affect marginalized communities who rely on LWSC for their only source of water.”
Mr. Phiri is urging LWSC to explore alternative solutions, such as using solar power for some groundwater facilities and collaborating with ZESCO to prioritize water treatment plants during power outages.
He also suggest shutting down distribution systems at night to conserve power for daytime water supply.
“We acknowledge the challenges of drought and power outages,” said Mr. Phiri. “However, LWSC needs to find ways to mitigate the impact on public health and livelihoods.”
He is also calling on the government to improve water quality monitoring and treatment, especially in low-income areas vulnerable to exploitation by unregulated private water providers. Public awareness campaigns on water conservation and hygiene practices are also seen as crucial.
Mr. Phiri emphasizes the need for collaboration between all stakeholders, including the government, LWSC, and civil society organizations, to ensure equitable access to clean and safe water and prevent another public health crisis.
