Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation has unveiled a new board of directors for 3 provincial water utilities, that have been directed to provide strategic oversight and service quality, while safeguarding financial sustainability.

ZANIS reports that speaking during the unveiling and training meeting, Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu has challenged the board to evolve the water utilities from being government dependent to viable and self-sustaining entities.

Mr Nzovu also urged the new board to reduce non-revenue water that comes from leakages, illegal connections and inaccurate metering that results in lost revenue and underserved communities.

“You must therefore champion the adoption of energy efficient technologies, including modern pumping systems and actively explore renewable energy options such as solar power,” he said.

He also urged the Engineering Institute of Zambia to ensure that constructed infrastructures are completed timely and are of acceptable quality and standard in order to minimise the rate of failure.

Mr Nzovu also urged the directors to adopt long term asset management plans and work in collaboration with the private sector through public private partnerships in order to bridge the infrastructure and service delivery gap.

Meanwhile, the permanent secretary in the same ministry, Romas Kamanga, who was represented by Director Water Resource Development, Oswell Katooka, reminded the board of their public responsibility of providing strategic leadership and direction for future performance and direction of their companies.

Mr Kamanga also urged the board to adhere to high standards of governance that will prevent operational inefficiencies and mismanagement of public sources.

The newly trained and unveiled board consists of 22 members that have been selected to provide leadership and strategic oversight to Southern, Luapula and Western Water Supply and Sanitation Company.