The Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company has announced a water rationing schedule effective today, to manage water demand due to the impact of load-shedding and drought.
Addressing the media in Lusaka this morning, Company Managing Director Jilly Chiyombwe said the ongoing electricity supply constraints on water production, distribution facilities and declining underground water levels due to drought has affected the ability to produce and sustain consistent water supply.
Engineer Chiyombwe explains that regular production capacity is approximately 330 million liters of water per day against a demand of 480 million, with 53% from surface water from the Kafue River and 47% from groundwater sources.
He adds that the company is losing slightly more than 8hours of production per day due to load management being carried out by ZESCO because it is dependent on electric powered pumping systems for both surface and ground water.
Engineer Chiyombwe indicates that in light of the anticipated impact of drought on underground water levels, water rationing serves as a proactive mitigation measure to preserve, manage groundwater and to ensure fair distribution.
He says the water utility has since identified key areas to ensure sustainable water supply which include infrastructure upgrade, equitable distribution through water rationing schedule, water conservation campaigns and constant engagement with ZESCO.
PHOENIX NEWS