Building Climate-Resilient Water Utilities in Zambia Project

Disclosure of Environmental and Social Safeguard Instruments (ESSI)

30th March 2026

Executive Summary

The Building Climate-Resilient Water Utilities in Zambia Project is a USD 8.6 million initiative being implemented by Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company (NWSC), in partnership with Mulonga, Lukanga, and Southern Water Supply and Sanitation Companies.

The project is financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), Vitens Evides International BV (VEI), and the Government of Zambia. It aims to strengthen climate resilience, improve water security, and enhance the operational sustainability of water utilities serving more than 3 million people across the Kafue River catchment.

The initiative responds to increasing climate variability, catchment degradation, and declining raw water quality, all of which continue to place significant pressure on water supply systems. To address these challenges, the project adopts an integrated approach that combines data-driven planning, nature-based solutions, climate-resilient infrastructure investments, and institutional strengthening to ensure sustainable and reliable water service delivery.

Component 1: Strengthening Knowledge and Understanding of the Catchment

This component focuses on addressing critical data gaps that constrain effective water resource management. Key interventions include hydrogeological investigations to identify sustainable groundwater sources and the establishment of real-time water quality and quantity monitoring systems.

These interventions are expected to enhance evidence-based decision-making, improve drought preparedness, and support the early detection of pollution and over-abstraction risks.

Component 2: Building Water Catchment Resilience to Improve Water Security

This component promotes the restoration and protection of the Kafue catchment through nature-based solutions such as reforestation, construction of check dams, and installation of gabion structures.

The component also supports community-based livelihood initiatives and capacity-building programmes, particularly targeting youth and women, in order to strengthen local stewardship of natural resources.

Additionally, groundwater development will help diversify water sources and reduce reliance on climate-sensitive surface water systems, thereby improving overall system reliability.

Component 3: Climate-Resilient Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure

This component focuses on critical infrastructure upgrades aimed at enhancing service continuity and protecting public health.

Key interventions include the rehabilitation of water abstraction points to address sedimentation challenges and the installation of solar-powered onsite chlorine generation systems at selected treatment plants.

These measures are expected to improve water quality, reduce operational costs, and ensure uninterrupted service delivery during extreme weather events.

Component 4: Building Resilient Institutions and Project Management

This component seeks to strengthen governance systems, institutional capacity, and coordination mechanisms to ensure sustainable project outcomes.

The activities include the development of water safety plans, establishment of multi-stakeholder platforms for catchment management, and promotion of knowledge sharing across the sector.

Robust project management systems will further ensure effective implementation, safeguard compliance, accountability, and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.

Expected Impact

Overall, the project is expected to deliver improved water security, enhanced resilience to climate shocks, reduced operational costs, and better public health outcomes.

By integrating ecosystem restoration, infrastructure investment, and institutional strengthening, the initiative provides a scalable model for climate-resilient water utility management in Zambia and the wider region.

Access the Full Environmental and Social Safeguard Instruments (ESSI)

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