LpWSC Continues PforR/PIAP Staff Orientation Across Operational Districts

Luapula Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited (LpWSC) has been undertaking a series of staff orientation and sensitisation sessions on the Programme-for-Results (PforR) and the Performance Improvement Action Plan (PIAP) across its operational districts, with today’s engagement being conducted in Kawambwa District.

The orientation programme has been progressing across the Company over the past days, bringing together Staff and Stakeholders to strengthen their understanding of the programme, expected results, individual and departmental responsibilities, as well as the environmental, social, health and safety requirements that guide its implementation.

The Zambia Water Supply and Sanitation Services in Growth Centers Programme is supported through a US$33 million International Development Association (IDA) Grant from the World Bank, comprising US$27 million under the PforR and US$6 million under Investment Project Financing. The programme seeks to improve water-sector accountability and strengthen the operational efficiency of selected commercial utilities.

LpWSC Managing Director, Mr. Mukela Simbuwa, gave the opening remarks and underscored the importance of ensuring that staff understand the programme and take ownership of their respective responsibilities towards its successful implementation.

The first technical session was led by Director of Operations and Technical Services, Eng. Golden Manyanga, who provided an overview of the PforR and PIAP. He explained the results-based nature of the programme, where implementation and progress are measured against agreed results, indicators, milestones and supporting evidence.

The session further highlighted the relationship between the PIAP, Disbursement Linked Results (DLRs) and Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs), and how the work undertaken by different departments contributes to the Company’s overall programme performance. Priority interventions under the PIAP include Non-Revenue Water reduction and meter replacement, energy efficiency, billing and collection efficiency, financial management and accountability, digitalisation and systems integration, hydraulic modelling and climate resilience.

Technical Operations Manager, Eng. Oscar Mbewe, led the session on Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), focusing on the environmental and social considerations associated with prepaid water meter installation and pipeline installation works.

The session covered potential environmental and social risks and impacts, mitigation and monitoring measures, labour management, stakeholder engagement, Occupational Health and Safety, and the Grievance Redress Mechanism. It also addressed the prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), and Sexual Harassment (SH), with emphasis on responsible conduct and the use of established reporting and safeguarding mechanisms.

Head of Information Communication and Technology, Mr. Godfrey Kalunga, conducted a practical session on the Company’s online Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and PIAP disclosure platforms. Staff were guided on how to use the LpWSC website to access channels for general enquiries, customer complaints, staff grievances and PforR-related concerns. The session also demonstrated how stakeholders can access the PIAP and provide feedback through the available platform.

Nchelenge District Manager, Eng. Elijah Sinyinza, led the session on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), covering workplace hazards, roles and responsibilities, appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, safe work practices, required documentation and permits, as well as incident reporting and response. The session reinforced the importance of integrating health and safety requirements into field and construction activities throughout programme implementation.

The Grievance Redress Mechanism remained a key component of the orientation, with emphasis placed on ensuring that grievances arising from programme activities are properly registered, tracked, investigated and resolved through approved channels.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Simbuwa emphasised the importance of translating the knowledge gained from the orientation into effective programme implementation, strengthened accountability and improved service delivery.

Through the programme, LpWSC remains focused on better services, stronger accountability, improved efficiency and sustainable water and sanitation service delivery.