Govt claims K69.7 million allocated for upgrade of UTH water reticulation

Government has reportedly allocated K69.7 million towards the rehabilitation and upgrading of the water reticulation system at the University Teaching Hospitals (UTH) in a decisive effort to address water supply challenges at the country’s largest referral health institution. Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation Permanent Secretary, Romas Kamanga, reaffirmed Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that UTH was supported by a reliable, safe, and sustainable water supply system. In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Kamanga said Government had prioritised the critical investment to guarantee a consistent and dependable water supply at the University Teaching Hospitals.

“Reliable water is fundamental to quality healthcare delivery, and this intervention demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding public health and enhancing service delivery,” he said. Kamanga said the project, which was being implemented by the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC), targeted key areas within the hospital’s water infrastructure that require urgent intervention. He said the scope of works included construction of a dedicated water supply line from Libala Water Works to UTH to significantly improve supply reliability and rehabilitation and upgrading of sections of the existing internal water reticulation network.

It also includes installation of alternative energy solutions on boreholes to ensure uninterrupted water supply during power outages, and replacement of ageing infrastructure to improve operational efficiency and reduce water losses. “The contract, valued at approximately K69.7 million (VAT inclusive), will be implemented over a period of 12 months and is fully financed by the Government of the Republic of Zambia,” Kamanga stated. The Permanent Secretary emphasised that the initiative built on progress already made by Government in stabilising water supply at UTH.

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“Following the successful interventions undertaken last year to stabilise reservoir capacity, we are now strengthening the entire water distribution chain—from source to point of use. The dedicated supply line from Libala Water Works, coupled with alternative energy installations, will significantly enhance water security at UTH,” he said. Kamanga further noted that the integration of alternative energy solutions reflected Government’s forward-looking approach to building resilience and ensuring uninterrupted service delivery, particularly during periods of power disruption.

“This investment is part of Government’s broader vision to develop resilient and modern water infrastructure in critical public institutions. We remain committed to ensuring that facilities such as UTH are equipped to provide quality healthcare services without interruption,” he added. Kamanga has since directed that the project be implemented with urgency to ensure that patients, healthcare workers, and the public begin benefiting from the improvements as soon as possible. He stated that the Government remained a steadfast in its commitment to strengthening water and sanitation infrastructure across the country as part of its inclusive development agenda and its pledge to improve the lives and well-being of all Zambians.

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