Mpika water project on course, says Mpika DC

JOHN KOMBE writes @sunzambian The recently launched Mpika water project is progressing well and the contractor has shown commitment to completing the project on schedule, says Mpika district commissioner, Sampa Muswema.  Mr. Muswema made the observation in an interview with the Daily Nation and said that the water and sanitation project which was called Lot 2 integrated small towns’ water supply and sanitation project was progressing well.  He said that the contractor China State Construction Engineering Corporation had mobilized and was operating at full capacity. He said the contractor had exhibited commitment so far and the project was poised to be completed on schedule and was therefore confident that the project would be completed in a period of 18 months as scheduled.  He further noted that the contractor had employed local people in the project. He said that this was commendable as it would add value to the local population and that local contractors would also benefit from the 20 percent local subcontracting policy. He however challenged local contractors to ensure that they exhibit high quality works in the project noting that the government’s goal in the policy was not only to empower the local contractors economically, but also with skills and knowledge. He urged the local contractors to take advantage of the opportunity to improve their skills. He disclosed that the project will involve the construction and rehabilitation of water and sanitation infrastructure comprising building water intakes and a water treatment plant at Malashi and the construction of water storage tanks in Chitulika and Kamwanya areas in the district. He further revealed that the project will include the installation of a pipeline from a source which was about 10 kilometers from the central business district. He added that water distribution networks will equally be constructed. The DC said that the project was in line with the government’s agenda of ensuring that all citizens have access to clean and safe water supply by the year 2030. He said that it was also in pursuant of the vision to see 90 percent of the population access sanitation services by the year 2030.