PARAMOUNT CHIEF MPEZENI COMMENDS ZNS FOR TRANSFORMATIVE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

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Posted by admin on November 21, 2025 at 3:17 AM

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Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people has praised the Zambia National Service (ZNS) for its exemplary work ethic and commitment to national development, particularly in the construction of critical water infrastructure across Eastern Province.

Speaking at his palace in Chipata during a courtesy call by Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Collins Nzovu and ZNS Commander Lieutenant General Engineer Maliti Solochi II, the traditional leader said ZNS had demonstrated exceptional professionalism in delivering projects that directly impact communities.

“I am very impressed with the dedication and speed at which ZNS is working. These dams are not just structures; they are lifelines for our people. The professionalism shown by ZNS gives us confidence that the challenges our communities face with water scarcity will soon be addressed,” Chief Mpezeni said.

The Chief highlighted the Musipazi Dam, currently under construction within his chiefdom, as a transformative project that will support irrigation, livestock, and domestic water needs. He described the intervention as critical for communities grappling with the severe effects of climate volatility.

He further called for continued cooperation between government agencies, local leadership, and communities to ensure the sustainability of such projects:

“The spirit of unity and practical action we are witnessing here is what will drive development. Let us all support this work so that future generations may also benefit.”

Minister Nzovu reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding water infrastructure in drought-prone areas, noting that the initiative follows President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive earlier this year for accelerated dam construction after critical water shortages in the province.

“Our goal is to ensure that communities in areas severely affected by drought have access to sustainable water sources. Dams like Musipazi are part of a bigger national strategy to strengthen water security,” Nzovu said.

He added that similar projects will be replicated across the country, stressing that improved water storage capacity is essential not only for household use but also for agriculture, which supports thousands of livelihoods.

ZNS Commander Lt Gen Solochi expressed gratitude to the Government for entrusting the Service with infrastructure development, assuring that ZNS remains committed to delivering quality projects on time and at cost-effective prices.

“We remain committed to timely delivery of projects that are of good quality at cost effective prices anytime we are called upon,” he said.

The Musipazi Dam in Chipata is expected to be completed by December 2025, marking another milestone in Zambia’s ongoing efforts to build climate-resilient and secure water resources for rural communities.