A Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Expert, Engineer Javan Nkhosi, has urged the Zambian government to implement stronger regulations to prevent the corrosion of pipes in boreholes.
This call to action was made during the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) WASH Sector Quarterly Meeting in Lusaka, organized by the Zambia NGO WASH Forum.
Mr. Nkhosi said the history of rapid corrosion problems in Zambia was presented at the 2023 Zambia Water Forum and Exhibition (ZAWAFE) conference and provided context by referencing his thesis on sustaining rural water supply in Zambia, specifically in the Chongwe District.
He noted that an international reviewer was surprised by the extent of rust in Zambian water, a problem known for over 30 years, and questioned the documentation and government action on this issue.
Mr. Nkhosi said the problem started because of the attack of material surfaces by chemical processes, primarily due to low pH levels in water, leading to hand pump failures within two years.
He described the water from the pumps as bitter, with an unpleasant smell and rusty color, making it unfit for drinking.
He provided historical instances of documented corrosion, including the Central Province Rural Water Supply Project (1985-1996), and noted that various projects used stainless steel riser pipes to combat corrosion.
He stated that 88% of Zambia’s landmass has acidic soils, which translates to acidic groundwater.
Mr. Nkhosi reviewed efforts to mitigate the challenge, such as using stainless steel pipes in various projects and studies by organizations like UNICEF.
He compared Zambia’s situation with other countries like Ghana and Uganda, where similar issues were addressed through the use of stainless steel pipes and regulatory measures.
Mr. Nkhosi emphasized the need for decisive action to address rapid corrosion, including revising the national water policy, enacting special instruments for the use of corrosion-resistant materials, providing incentives to the private sector, and regulating the quality of hand pumps.
He called for government and cooperating partners to take action to ensure clean drinking water for all.
This is contained in a statement issued by NGO WASH Forum National Coordinator Bubala Mumba Muyovwe.
