A Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Expert has urged the Parliamentary Caucus on WASH to advocate for ban on galvanised pipes due to rust.
Engineer Javan Nkhosi has revealed that the problem of rapid handpump corrosion in Zambia has been known locally for over 40 years and is well documented internationally.
Nkhosi explained that aggressive groundwater with low pH eats away the protective zinc layer on galvanised pipes within months, causing water to become bitter and rusty in colour.
He noted that despite various studies and projects undertaken to address the issue, the problem still persists, including in new installations across the country.
Nkhosi observed that mitigation measures for pipe corrosion have been missing in all four National Water Policy documents since independence.
He has recommended that Parliament hold the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation accountable and establish a Rural Water Authority to regulate water point sources.
He was speaking during a an engagement with Parliamentarians in Lusaka under the Stop The Rot Campaign, implemented by the NGO WASH Forum with support from SKAT Foundation, Ask for Water and the Water Voices United Project.
The Stop The Rot Campaign is coordinated by the NGO WASH Forum and supported by UNICEF, WaterAid Zambia, World Vision, Aquaquest, ECHO, the Waterloo Foundation and the Water Voices United Project with EU co‑financing.
It calls on all government arms, water utilities, civil society, development partners and communities across Zambia to join this movement to eliminate corrosion‑prone materials, protect public health, extend infrastructure lifespan, reduce avoidable costs, prevent waterborne disease, and ensure sustainable, accountable water service delivery for every community.
The Parliamentary Caucus on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) has echoed calls for a ban on the use of galvanised pipes in water supply systems to prevent corrosion and protect public health.
Caucus Chairperson, Hon. Mutinta Twaambo, said galvanised pipes contribute to corrosion, which compromises water quality and poses health risks to consumers across the country.
Hon. Twaambo emphasised that corrosion in water pipes leads to contamination and reduces the lifespan of water infrastructure substantially.
He noted that aggressive groundwater with low pH eats away the protective zinc layer on galvanised pipes within months, rendering water unfit for drinking.
Hon. Twaambo urged government to enforce regulations that promote the use of safer and more durable materials such as high-density polyethylene and stainless steel pipes.
