Energy Minister implores newly appointed Council to tackle "Unaccounted For Water" and Tariffs
Energy and Water Development Minister Kenneth Konga, has challenged the newly appointed council to address the issues of “high unaccounted for water” and Water Tariffs.
Speaking in Lusaka during the inauguration of the 4th NWASCO council, Mr. Konga noted that “high unaccounted for water” in the country, is adversely impacting on water resources and sustainability of service provision.
The Minister further noted that the issue of tariffs is of great concern and government would like consumers to pay a fair price for the services. He said the council should effectively balance the interests of the consumers and those of the service providers. Mr. Konga observed that despite the policy on commercialisation of the services, exploitation of consumers should be avoided.
“The issue of tariffs is one area of great concern and as government we would like to see that our people pay a fair price for the services and that you effectively balance the interests of the consumers and those of the service providers. This must be in accordance with the quality of services being provided to avoid exploitation in view of the policy on commercialisation of the services. This will also imply having a range and choice of service levels the consumers can select from according to their ability to pay.”
The minister said government is committed to ensuring that citizens have access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. Mr Konga noted that government is aware of the urgent need for more investments in the sector and is therefore committed to ensuring increased funding as evidenced by the increase in the national budget allocation from 2.7% in 2009 to 5% in 2010, noting that other funds have been sourced from bilateral and multilateral partners to further address the many challenges in the sector.
He noted that the council was composed of highly capable individuals to take up the many challenges facing the water sector hence re-appointing the members for a final term under the Chairmanship of Dr Cosmas Musumali.
Other members are Mr. Muyunda Ililonga, Ms. Zeles Zulu and Mr Joe Hantebe Simachela, representing the Zambia Consumers Association(ZACA), Ministry of Local Government and Housing and Ministry of Justice, respectively. The Zambia Association of Chamber of Commerce and Industry(ZACCI) the Water and Sanitation Association of Zambia(WASAZA) and the Ministry of Energy & Water Development are represented by Mrs Lwimba Phiri, Mr. Levi Zulu and Mr. Adam Hussen, respectively.
