Mpika District Council has commenced the drilling of boreholes in response to Muchinga Province Minister Malozo Sichone ‘s seven day ultimatum for the local authority to do so .
The local authority has consequently drilled three boreholes in Lulamba , Shanghai and Depot Compound respectively, in Mpika District.
Mr. Sichone recently gave the local authority the ultimatum in an effort to curb the water situation and fight typhoid outbreak in the District.
ZANIS reports that Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe has confirmed development in a telephone interview in Mpika District , today.
Mr. Nundwe said that three boreholes are under construction in the named areas adding that residents in the areas are expecting to start drawing water from them by tomorrow.
The Provincial Administration and Mpika District council are working together to ensure that the drilling of boreholes is done promptly as the Provincial Administration has provided equipment for the exercise.
Mr. Nundwe says it is government’s desire for Mpika residents to have clean drinking water.
He disclosed that all shallow wells in Tazara will be closed adding that the affected residents will be required to cooperate with the District Council during that period as it is to their own benefits
Meanwhile, Principal Environmental Health Technologist, Paul Muma says typhoid cases as of today have increased to 152 .
Mr. Muma said a total number of 6 patients are admitted at Chilonga Mission Hospital and Micheal Chilufya Sata Hospital.
Councils seem to be working by directives. Issue more directives and ultimatums
How about piped distribution of water. Hon Minister, making a piped distribution wouldn’t cost too much in Shanghai. Please issue another directive. In Zambia, we lack initiative to do things