Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSCO ) spokesperson Simon Mwale says the water utility firm will work tirelessly in ensuring that the sewerage ponds in Garden compound do not result into a disaster in future.
Mr. Mwale said his company has being trying to put up measures to protect the ponds and the lives of people living near the ponds.
He noted that it is unfortunate that people have settled near the sewerage pond a case which has in the past made it difficult for the company to maintain security to the ponds.
The LWSCO spokesperson said his water utility company has in the past discussed the issue of relocating settlers in the area near the ponds but to no avail due to illegal encroachment of the area.
However this problem comes because of the population increase which was not expected at the time the ponds where built.
Mr. Mwale has further said measures of fencing the ponds have also not yielded positive results as there is a high rate of vandalism in the area.
He said his company is aware of property and infrastructure damage within the premises of the sewerage ponds and he has however warned the people who may be involved in such vice to stop as they may be causing a quick alarm to disaster in the near future which may lead to lose of lives.
He however mentioned the encroaching and causing damage of water utility structures and property are big offences which attract conviction of five years imprisonment if one found guilty by the courts of law.
He said under normal circumstances the sewerage ponds have to be located 500 meters away from houses but it is sad that people have in vended that land which poses a danger to human life.
ZANIS
Lekeni Sata ateke…these are simple issues which need minimal political will to sort out.