Water firms directed to enhance business model

SANFROSSA MANYINDA writes@SunZambian PUBLIC water utility companies should develop innovative business models that will help them to remain afloat even in challenging times, says Minister of Water Development and Sanitation and Environmental Protection Jonas Chanda. Dr Chanda said Government wanted water utility companies to be giving back to the treasury as opposed to government always coming in to offer support. He said in Kitwe that water utility companies could start the packaging mineral water as an income generating venture. Dr Chanda, however, hailled Nkana Water and Sanitation Company (NWSC) for the numerous projects the firm was undertaking using institutional financing. “The President having put focus on water and sanitation has led to so many improvements and this is evident by the increasing coverage across the country. Am very confident we will meet the vision 2030” he further said. And Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang’ombe has conveyed his appreciation to Government for the commitment in the water and sanitation sector which has evidently seen many peri-urban areas being serviced with water and sanitation services. Mr Kang’ombe therefore called for speedy completion of stalled projects in order for people to have increased water supply for the 26 unplanned settlements in Kitwe. Meanwhile, NWSC Managing Director Diana Makwaba assured that all projects were within completion schedule. She further thanked Government for the continued financial and other support to help them meet their targets.