Government has commissioned six modern ablution blocks with solar-powered boreholes at Mpopo, Mulemu and Chimoto Primary Schools in Lufwanyama District on the Copperbelt Province. The project, funded by the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation at a cost of over K5…

Government has commissioned six modern ablution blocks with solar-powered boreholes at Mpopo, Mulemu and Chimoto Primary Schools in Lufwanyama District on the Copperbelt Province.

The project, funded by the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation at a cost of over K5 Million, is aimed at improving water supply, sanitation and hygiene in schools.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony at Mpopo Primary School, Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary, Lawrence Mwanza, said the facilities will improve hygiene and sanitation standards and directly benefit more than 1,700 learners.

“Today’s commissioning is a practical demonstration of the government’s unwavering commitment to increasing access to safe water and adequate sanitation,”Mr Mwanza said.

He stated that the ablution blocks will reduce the risk of waterborne diseases among learners and promote a conducive learning environment, particularly for girls who face challenges during their menstrual cycles.

Mr Mwanza explained that the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation was established to provide focused leadership in addressing water and sanitation challenges and to ensure every Zambian has access to such essential services.

He added that Lufwanyama is among the areas expected to benefit from the expansion of water supply services by Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company.

“We are developing water and sanitation plans that will benefit you and your communities. Water from the treatment plants in Kitwe and Kalulushi will soon be extended to Lufwanyama, and residents will begin seeing works related to the construction of a treatment plant in the district,” he said.

Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation Assistant Director, Ulando Nyirenda, said the government is continuing to install water supply facilities in schools across the country.

Mr  Nyirenda urged school administrations, the District Education Board Secretary’s office and the District Administration in Lufwanyama to engage cooperating partners and other stakeholders to complement government’s efforts through corporate social responsibility initiatives.

“By doing so, we will increase the number of sanitation facilities and water supply systems in the district,” he said.

Copperbelt Province Education Officer, Nathan Kasune, thanked the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation for constructing the ablution blocks.

“This project demonstrates government’s continued commitment to providing safe, healthy and conducive learning environments for our learners,” he said.

He noted that each of the three schools has received modern ablution blocks, boreholes fitted with submersible pumps and elevated water storage tanks to ensure a reliable supply of clean water.

Mr Kasune added that each ablution block has been designed with eight toilet cubicles for boys and nine for girls, including a washroom to support menstrual hygiene management, as well as an additional cubicle for learners with disabilities.

Meanwhile, Mpopo Primary School Head Teacher, Kenny Halumba, said government has made a significant investment in the future of learners through the project.

Mr Halumba appealed to government to rehabilitate existing classrooms and construct additional ones to address the shortage of classroom space at the school.

He also called for the rehabilitation of teachers’ houses.