By VIOLET MENGO
LUANGWA District Commissioner (DC) Musole Siachisa says over 80 boreholes have been sunk in the district to provide clean and safe drinking water for the people.
In an interview in Luangwa, Mr Musole said the district is characterised by poor water and sanitation facilities, but the provision of the boreholes has helped improve the livelihood of the people through reduction of diseases.
He said government is committed to providing the residents of Luangwa with clean and safe drinking water.
"Government recognises that access to safe drinking water is the foundation of good health especially among children," he said.
Mr Musole said although the demand for clean and safe water is still huge, efforts to address the challenge are being made by government and non governmental organisations.
The DC said government seeks to create, promote and support conditions within which access to improved water and sanitation can be based.
He said the boreholes have also helped to reduce the cases of water-borne diseases that are common in the district. And Childfund Zambia launched an improved water project in the district aimed at enhancing access to clean and safe water.
Twelve boreholes will be sunk in three communities at a cost of K1.2 billion. The villages are Chikonwelelo, Tigwilizane and Mandombe. National director Ely Keita said ChildFund believes that improved access to clean and safe water greatly reduces the number of children who die from water-borne diseases.
He said 12 boreholes willbe sunk and solar powered pumps to supply water to 10 000 litre pumps. "We have trained selected members of the communities who will help in maintaining the facilities that we are going to put in place," Mr Keita said. The improved water project will be extended to other parts of the district once the drilling in the three communities is completed.
ENDS
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