In the face of a severe scarcity of water supply from Nkana Water Sanitation and Sewerage Company, residents of Rescos Compound in Kitwe district, Copperbelt Province, are compelled to depend on water from shallow wells to meet their daily water requirements.
The challenges confronting the residents of Rescos are not isolated incidents; rather, they symbolise the broader struggles endured by many Zambians in dealing with water utilities, as highlighted in previous MakanDay reports on water-related issues.
The compound is situated on Twatasha Road, approximately 12 kilometres north of Kitwe's central business district. It lies adjacent to the renowned Chimwemwe compound within the district.
This area is inhabited by numerous lower-class families who must walk long distances to access water from the nearest wells in their neighbourhood.
Memory Chanda, a lifelong resident of Rescos, laments that the area has been grappling with a severe water crisis for over a year now, despite repeated complaints lodged with Nkana Water.
Chanda told MakanDay that her household has been grappling with irregular water supply for over a year now.
Previously, water flowed daily, meeting her family's needs adequately for their daily routines. However, the situation has deteriorated significantly, with the taps now running dry.
Despite consistently paying water bills, the utility company has failed to provide a sustainable solution to this issue. Chanda's distress and worry escalate each day as she struggles to manage her daily tasks without access to clean water.
"We used to enjoy a regular water supply years ago before this challenge arose early last year. Despite numerous complaints to Nkana Water, there has been no response regarding the underlying cause of the problem or when it will be rectified," she lamented.
Chanda emphasised that Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company has ceased delivering bills to her residence, leaving her uncertain about the next steps after raising the issue with the water bill delivery personnel.
During a visit to Chanda's home by a journalist from MakanDay, it was observed that her water taps were dry, and she was preparing to fetch water from a nearby well.
Chanda explained that, due to the cholera outbreak in the country, she hesitates to use the water from the well because her family often falls ill with diarrhea after consuming it. Nevertheless, their water predicament leaves her with no alternative but to utilize water from the well, necessitating her to endure the scorching sun on her walks.
Angela Chifwamba, another resident of Rescos, living just a few houses away from Chanda's, finds herself in a similar situation.
She receives water supply services only once a month, and the amount provided is so scant that it barely lasts a moment, falling far short of her family's needs.
This exacerbates the issue, resulting in Angela's water bills accumulating, prompting her to cease payments for the service.
"I've reported the problem to Nkana Water several times, but despite assurances from the utility company, no action has been taken. Consequently, we're forced to fetch water from wells, and during dry spells, most wells run dry, necessitating a search for water throughout the neighborhood," she explained.
Despite the lack of water, Angela's water bill has skyrocketed from K600 to K4,000 since her last payment. However, Nkana Water recently visited her residence to check for water flowing from the taps.
During MakanDay’s exploration of the neighbourhood, the presence of traditional water wells in some homes was observed, primarily located in the front yards.
Company and regulator’s response
Agness Simwinga, the public relations officer of Nkana Water, said the company is currently unaware of any water supply issues in Rescos Compound. She noted that the company has been delivering water regularly to residents via standard pipes, each connected individually.
"We are not aware of such challenges; however, the complaint has been duly noted, and the company will dispatch a team to investigate the matter further," she stated.
In response to inquiries, Mpunga Simukwai, the Communications Manager of the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (Nwasco), informed MakanDay that the water regulator would contact Nkana Water to provide a comprehensive response.
Womba, an investigative journalist based in Kitwe, is an integral member of the MakanDay network. She is being hosted as an intern by MakanDay after earning the second-place distinction in the 2023 MaknDay Awards for Investigative Journalism.
