North-Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi […]

North-Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi commended Kansanshi Mining Plc for its proactive approach to social investment, describing the company as a model corporate citizen. Kansanshi Mining Plc has officially handed over 33 newly developed water points across the Solwezi District, representing a strategic K20 million investment under its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme.

 The infrastructure commissioned includes 29 reticulated water systems designed for larger, growing communities and four borehole systems tailored for remote areas. Together, these facilities serve over 3,400 households, bringing clean, safe water to approximately 17,000 people.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Kansanshi Foundation Manager Simon Keevil emphasized that the mining company views itself as a long-term development partner in the region, with responsibilities extending far beyond mineral production.

“This handover is not just about infrastructure, it is about delivering impact at scale,” Keevil said. “To date, we have developed a total of 73 water points, with 33 delivered in 2025 alone. This represents a significant acceleration in delivery and reflects our focused commitment to addressing critical community needs.” Keevil highlighted that the project aims to reduce the daily burden on women and children, lower the prevalence of waterborne diseases, and boost household productivity.

 The initiative aligns with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). To ensure longevity, the projects incorporate the WASHE (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Education) framework, which provides community training and local management structures. Keevil urged local stakeholders to take full ownership of the assets, noting that “the success of this investment will be defined not by what we build, but by what we sustain.”

Officiating at the event, North-Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi commended Kansanshi Mining Plc for its proactive approach to social investment, describing the company as a model corporate citizen.

“Your investment is secure when the surrounding communities are able to see the positive impact of your investment,” Mulumbi stated. “Water is life, and what you have done for the community here will go a long way in alleviating the challenges they have faced, including walking long distances to fetch water.” Mulumbi reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring countrywide access to clean and safe water.

 He noted that achieving this vision requires robust collaboration with cooperating private sector partners like Kansanshi. The Deputy Permanent Secretary, however, issued a stern warning against vandalism, challenging community members to guard the infrastructure vigilantly. “As the Provincial Administration, we shall be disappointed to hear that a pump or a solar panel has been stolen,” Mulumbi warned.

 “You must look after this facility very well because it is meant to service you and your children.” He further encouraged residents to leverage the reliable water supply to improve their socio-economic and nutritional status by engaging in household-level backyard irrigation and vegetable farming. The event concluded with expressions of gratitude to His Royal Highness Chief Kapijimpanga for his continued leadership and presence at the milestone ceremony, as well as a final call from officials for the community to utilize the resource wisely.

Article Tyndale Muchiya