Cabinet Greenlights Kafue Water Project Research

By Masauso Mkwayaya

Government has approved a research study for the Luapula-Kafue Water Transfer Project and the formulation of a Comprehensive Water Development Plan for the Kafue Catchment.

The approval by Cabinet follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Power China and the Government where the two parties are expected to conduct research on the Kafue Catchment.

Cabinet envisages that the study on the Luapula-Kafue Water Scheme will facilitate the undertaking of water security interventions aimed at building national resilience against the negative impacts of climate change.

In a statement to ZNBC News, Chief Government Spokesperson CORNELIUS MWEETWA said Cabinet has further approved the implementation of a three-year roadmap for designing, constructing and rehabilitating dams as water harvesting infrastructure.

Mr. MWEETWA said this is as a result of the recurring and prolonged droughts, the country is faced with causing serious water, energy and food insecurity.

And Mr. MWEETWA said Cabinet has approved the declaration of the 230 hectares Fintech City in Chongwe’s Ngwerere area as a Multi-Facility Economic Zone.

He said the decision by Cabinet is further supported by the Investment, Trade and Business Development Act No. 18 of 2022, which provides for issuance of a Statutory Instrument, when need arises, to declare an area or premise to be a Special Economic Zone.

Mr. MWEETWA said the declaration of the Fintech City MFEZ is expected to increase economic activities in Chongwe District, which will help revive the economic fortunes of the District, transforming the area from being a largely rural place, to an area thriving with economic activities.

Meanwhile, Cabinet has also approved the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to undertake reforms in the public pension schemes.

Mr. MWEETWA said the reforms include the proposed establishment of a contributory statutory pension scheme for Constitutional and State Officers.

The amendments will further provide for voluntary supplementary benefits; and strengthen coverage of the informal economy workers, among others.

The Chief Government Spokesperson said Cabinet has further approved the hosting of the 75th Session of the World Health Organisation Regional Committee for Africa to be held in Lusaka from August 25 to 29, 2025.

He adds that the 75th Session of the World Health Organisation Regional Committee for Africa will provide a platform to address key health challenges facing the continent and strengthening health systems.

And during the same second cabinet meeting this year held on Thursday January 30 2025 and chaired by President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA,, Government said it is implementing various measures aimed at accelerating the restoration of the non-operational mines to contribute to increasing mineral resource exploration and production in the mining sector.

Cabinet reflected on the overall mining operations in the country.

The Mines deliberated on are the Lumwana Mine Super Pit Expansion Project, Kalengwa Mine Limited, Kasenseli Gold mine and the Kitumba Mining Project.

Mr. MWEETWA said the development of the Lumwana Mine Super Pit Expansion Project has advanced with first production scheduled for 2028.

He said once operational, the Super Pit Expansion Project is expected to produce about 240- thousand tonnes of copper annually, over a period of 30 years.

On Kalengwa Mine Limited, Government facilitated the re-opening of the mine on November 18, 2024, with a pledged investment of 200 million U.S dollars in equipment purchases, and with a further investment of over one billion dollars during mine development.

Mr. MWEETWA said Cabinet also reflected on the Kansanshi Expansion Project, aimed at increasing copper recoveries by increasing the milling capacity.

Another matter reflected upon by Cabinet was the commissioning of the Kitumba Mining Project on August 17, 2024, in Mumbwa District, Central Province.

The investment of 600 million dollars is expected to generate over 2,500 direct and indirect jobs.

Cabinet is of the view that this development will positively contribute to creating employment and business opportunities within the Province and beyond.

This is according to a statement issued to ZNBC News by Mr. MWEETWA.