Government Increases Funding to Commercial Water Utilities by Over 300 Percent
By Anthony Chomba,
Government, through the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, has increased budgetary support to Commercial Water Utilities from K26.5 million in 2025 to K112.4 million in 2026, representing an increase of over 300 percent.
The development was disclosed during the unveiling and training of newly appointed Boards of Directors for the Luapula, Southern and Western Commercial Water Utilities.
Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Collins Nzovu said the enhanced funding is aimed at addressing operational costs and strengthening service delivery. He emphasized that water remains critical to public health, food security and economic development.
He explained that Government is also moving to zero-rate piped water supply for Value Added Tax (VAT) purposes, a measure that will allow utility companies to claim input VAT and reduce operational expenses.
Mr. Nzovu said the newly appointed Board members will be responsible for ensuring good governance, accountability and strategic oversight of key public utility institutions in the water and sanitation sector.
