Copperbelt water project by president Hichilemavis create more jobs – Simuuwe

UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe says newly commissioned Copperbelt water project, is a milestone in national development that underscores President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to job creation and continuity in governance.

Mr. Simuuwe stated that the $450 million project, officially launched by President Hichilema is set to transform the lives of over one million Zambians across several districts. About $200 million was sourced under the Private Public Partnership to complete the project.

“This is a landmark achievement not just for the President but for the entire UPND government,” Mr. Simuuwe said. “It reflects our commitment to people-first development and our deliberate strategy to create jobs while delivering critical infrastructure.”

The project, which includes a massive dam and water reticulation infrastructure across Ndola, Luanshya, Masaiti, and Mufulira, had stalled at 60% completion under the previous Patriotic Front (PF) administration. Mr. Simuuwe explained that the PF had withdrawn funding based on a directive to stop projects below 80% completion.

“Where others chose to walk away, we chose to invest in the people,” he noted. “President Hichilema mobilized resources without adding to our national debt to bring this project to life.”

Mr. Simuuwe outlined several direct benefits from the project, including:

• Over 17,000 new household water connections
• Clean, treated water access for over one million residents
• Irrigation support for 17,000 farmers
• Aquaculture development to provide alternative livelihoods and protect the environment
• New government infrastructure in Ndola and Luanshya, creating administrative and maintenance jobs
• Tourism and hospitality growth opportunities
• Expanded water coverage through upgrades to Kafubu, Nkana, and Mulonga Water Utilities

He emphasized that the commissioning of this project demonstrates the UPND’s belief in development continuity.

“We are not here to rewrite history or discard viable projects started before us,” Mr. Simuuwe said. “Development is a continuous process, and this government is focused on finishing what benefits the people.”

On concerns about funding, Mr. Simuuwe clarified that no new loans were incurred. “We’ve used grants and public-private partnerships not borrowed money to deliver this massive undertaking. This is responsible governance at work.”

Mr. Simuuwe also addressed questions regarding withdrawn donor funding in the health sector, assuring the public that accountability measures have been enforced.

“We’ve already arrested offenders, recovered stolen funds, and established economic crimes courts. This government takes transparency seriously,” he affirmed.