By Francis Chipalo
Water woes for residents of Twin Palm and Ibex Hill are set to end after the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) and the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) today signed a K150 million contract for a bulk water supply project.
In a statement by Defence principal public relations officer, Paul Shalala, the 12-kilometer pipeline project will benefit over 25,000 people in Queensland Park, ZAF Twin Palm, Da Tong and surrounding areas that have struggled with erratic supply for years.
Under the agreement signed at ZAF Headquarters, ZAF and NAPSA will fund the project, while the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC) will construct and operate it over an 18-month period.
LWSC Managing Director Jilly Chiyombwe said the scope includes a booster station, ground reservoir, and management infrastructure in addition to the pipeline.
“Twin Palm and Ibex have grown and need more water for development. We will deliver this project with quality, professionalism and transparency,” Chiyombwe said.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu said the project reflects government’s commitment to improving livelihoods.
“This project demonstrates that the New Dawn Government is determined to improve people’s lives in infrastructure, housing, water supply and sanitation,” Haamaundu said.
He added that collaboration between government institutions is key to speeding up national development.
And, ZAF Commander Lt Gen Oscar Nyoni said the project is critical to both civilians and military operations.
“This project is of profound significance to our operations. It will boost morale among personnel and improve our operation readiness,” Lt Gen Nyoni said.
Speaking at the same event, NAPSA Acting Director General Joshua Malipenga said the investment shows how pension funds can drive sustainable development.
He said the investment will provide sustainable development infrastructure, adding that reliable water supply is critical to the development of the country.
Residents in the affected areas have welcomed the announcement, saying they hope the 18-month timeline will be met to end reliance on boreholes and water vendors.
