LpWSC ENGAGES PARTNERS TO STRENGTHEN WATER QUALITY MONITORING

Luapula Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited (LpWSC) hosted representatives from 4ward Development Zambia (NUMA), Aquaya, and the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation for a stakeholder engagement aimed at exploring opportunities to strengthen water quality monitoring and support for small water suppliers.

The engagement provided an opportunity for LpWSC to showcase our existing capacity in water quality monitoring and laboratory services while exploring potential areas of collaboration that can contribute to strengthening water quality management among smaller water suppliers.

The meeting was attended by Carmen Brubacher, Director at 4ward Development Zambia (NUMA); Dayna Hansberger, Director and Research Program Manager at Aquaya; Bashiru Yachori, Senior Program Officer at Aquaya; Alpha Samboko and Tembo Khadwulai, WASH Officers; and George Phiri, representing the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, together with members of LpWSC Management and technical staff.

A key area of discussion was the challenge faced by many small water suppliers in conducting regular water quality testing due to financial, logistical, and capacity constraints.

Aquaya shared an innovative financial and capacity-strengthening approach designed to help address some of these challenges. The model seeks to provide established laboratories with a guarantee of payment, reducing the financial risks associated with extending water quality testing services to small water systems. It also aims to strengthen laboratory processes while supporting small water operators to understand and interpret test results and access technical guidance to improve their water treatment practices.

The approach further seeks to involve local government structures in strengthening accountability and promoting sustainable water quality management.

For LpWSC, the engagement provided an important platform to share our experience and existing capacity in water quality monitoring, while identifying opportunities to collaborate with partners in strengthening laboratory services, technical support, and water quality monitoring systems for smaller water suppliers.

As part of the engagement, the delegation toured our Water Treatment Laboratory, where our Laboratory Technologist demonstrated the physicochemical and microbiological tests routinely conducted at the facility. The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to gain a better understanding of LpWSC’s laboratory capabilities and the role the facility plays in supporting water quality monitoring.

The delegation commended our laboratory team and the work being undertaken to support water quality monitoring, recognising the importance of strong laboratory systems and technical capacity in safeguarding water quality.

LpWSC remains committed to strengthening partnerships, investing in water quality monitoring systems, and building institutional and technical capacity to support the provision of safe, reliable, and sustainable water services to the communities we serve.