Government has appointed new boards of directors for four commercial water and sanitation utility companies, with a call for accountability, efficiency and improved service delivery.
Minister of Water and Sanitation Development, Collins Nzovu, said the new boards for Lusaka, Lukanga, Eastern and Chambeshi Water Supply and Sanitation Companies were selected on merit for their integrity, expertise and leadership capacity.
Speaking during the induction and corporate governance training for the boards, Mr Nzovu stressed that their mandate is to ensure sustainable delivery of clean water and dignified sanitation services.
“Your role is to provide strategic oversight and hold management accountable to the highest standards of performance. Do not be too friendly with management. If an MD is not performing, sanction them before I sanction you,” he cautioned.
The Minister directed the boards to prioritize completion of delayed water and sanitation projects, some of which have been pending for up to five years. He said delays waste public resources and deny communities vital services.
“New infrastructure is useless until it is commissioned. I expect all projects to be completed on time, within budget and to the highest quality,” he said.
Mr Nzovu further urged the boards to consider Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to bridge infrastructure gaps, citing opportunities in billing systems, energy generation and asset maintenance.
He also emphasized the need for utilities to become financially self-sustaining and reduce reliance on subsidies.
Meanwhile, the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) Public Relations and Communications Manager, Mpunga Chipepo, disclosed the appointments.
For Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company, Watson Ng’ambi has been appointed Board Chairperson, with Bupe Mutanya, Chalston Hamulyata, Melvin Sikazwe, Wesley Kaluba, Rebecca Masenke and Ireen Mwansa as members.
At Lukanga Water Supply and Sanitation Company, Bhakes Desai will serve as Board Chairperson, joined by Bishop Burton Shonga, Grace Namukoko, Chanda Senkwe, Main Chama, Alice Fatchi and Probably Munshya as members.
For Chambeshi Water Supply and Sanitation Company, Kacha Mutenda has been appointed Board Chairperson, with Catherine Nambule, Alfred Nyambose, Moses Mwewa, Patrick Shangala, Christopher Mwape and Nakena Mutemwa as members.
And at Eastern Water Supply and Sanitation Company, Anderson Zulu will chair the board, with Mary Sinkala, Alex Bwalya, Abraham Banda, Zikhalo Mtine, Crippen Siatwinda and Pricaria Mwenda as members.
