Govt. calls on water firms to use energy serving equipment to reduce costs

Copperbelt Minister Mwenya Musenge has called for the use of energy serving equipment by water utility companies in order to reduce costs spent on electricity.

Mr Musenge also noted that there was also need for more innovation in the Green energy technology and in the generation and usage of energy and water because the two resources are costly.

He cited Nkana Water and Sewerage Company which is spending 38 per cent of its production costs on electricity per month.

And Mr Musenge noted that the majority of Zambians especially those in the peri-Urban areas still have no access to safe drinking water.

He however stated that government was making frantic efforts to avail clean drinking water for all through projects such as the Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation project where the company has been funded with US$63million to improve water supply sanitation.

The Minister has since appealed to residents to conserve energy and water in their homes as well as protecting infrastructure against vandalism in order to improve water supply.  

Speaking in Kitwe today when he graced this year’s Water Day Commemorations, Mr Musenge commended Nkana Water and Sewerage Company for installing energy serving equipment at some of its water plants.

And Kitwe Mayor Chileshe Bweupe has challenged ZESCO to improve its efficiency in power supply and reduce disruptions in the supply of water.

Mr Bweupe said inefficiency in the supply of power has contributed to the erratic water supply in Kitwe, Kalulushi and Chambeshi as the water utility company depends on power to supply water.

The mayor noted that the problem of inefficient power supply remains a serious concern that needs attention.

And speaking earlier, Nkana Water and Sewerage Company Managing Director Diana Makwaba bemoaned the high cost spent on electricity bills incurred by the company.

Ms Makwaba said currently the company was spending about 38 percent of its operational costs on electricity which is used to run its equipment.

And Ms Makwaba however said the water utility company has started installing energy saving technical equipment in most of its plants.

She added that the company has completed 73 percent of the works under the US$63million Nkana Water and Sanitation Project.

She said the company is also replacing old leaking water pipes that are contributing to the low water supply in the households.

This year’s water Day Commemorations were cerebrated under the theme ‘Water and Energy’.