Government, through the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC), will commence the construction of two state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plants in Ngwerere and Chunga in the first quarter of 2026.
This initiative, valued at approximately K2.3 billion is being co-financed by Government, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and KfW.
Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, says this initiative underscores government’s commitment to improving sanitation infrastructure, enhancing public health, and protecting the environment in line with national priorities and international commitments.
“The project directly aligns with Zambia’s pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)”, said Mr. Nzovu in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
He said that once completed, it will deliver far-reaching benefits, including expanded sanitation coverage, reduced pollution, and strengthened climate resilience.
Mr. Nzovu revealed that the Construction of the plants will span 36 months, during which Lusaka’s wastewater treatment capacity will be significantly boosted and Chunga plant will be upgraded to handle 18 million litres of wastewater daily, double its current capacity, while the Ngwerere Ponds will be expanded from 8 million to 54 million litres per day.
The Minister noted that to address Zambia’s intermittent energy challenges, both facilities will operate as energy-autonomous systems stating this will harness methane gas produced during treatment processes, as well as solar energy, to power operations.
He stressed that this approach will not only ensure continuous functionality but also contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions in support of the country’s climate change mitigation efforts.
By Christabel Kamunu
