Guaranteeing regular and adequate water supply to customers in Munali catchment

Like in many countries, the provision of quality water has been a major concern of
the Zambian government. To this effect, the government has issued a number of
policies aimed at addressing water supply and management concerns. Positive
outcomes from these policies have however been overshadowed by the ever
increasing challenges of rapid population growth, urbanization, aging infrastructure
as well as financial constraints to mention but few challenges. Funding from other
governments and donor agencies with the aim of improving livelihoods has been
sought and secured from time to time. However, the actual delivery of water services
has generally not matched the concern, leaving gaps in effectiveness and consumer
satisfaction. This research assessed guaranteeing of water supply to customers by
Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company in Munali Catchment, of Lusaka District,
following the 1994 Water Sector Reforms in Zambia. The study covered seven
community locations of Munali Catchment namely Jesmondine, Chudleigh, PHI,
Minestone, Chainama, Kaunda Square Stage I, and Kaunda Square Stage II.
Purposive selection of household respondents and service providers and other
institutions with a stake in water supply was used. Coverage and utilization of water
supply was assessed by questionnaire based interviews and observation. Results
obtained indicated that although there has been an increase in numbers of people in
Townships of Munali Catchment, accessing clean water and the number of hours of
supplying water to customers was still low at points of household connection. Low
income communities had less access to such services because of little investments in
water supply.
Key words: Access, Water supply, service and delivery.