Construction of the K1.5 million Weir at the Solwezi Main Water Treatment Plant has reached 80 percent completion.
The project is being implemented by the Northwestern Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited with funding from the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation.
Company Manager for Corporate Planning, James Phiri, told the media in Solwezi today that the project is expected to be complete by the end of October 2026.
Mr Phiri says the project which started in October last year is aimed at improving raw water availability for the water supply system especially during the dry season.
” Construction works resumed in July 2026 following delays caused by unfavorable weather conditions. With concrete casting works completed and overall progress standing at 80 percent, the company is undertaking the remaining activities to meet the targeted completion date,” Mr Phiri said.
He said the project involves the construction of a weir on the Solwezi river to raise and maintain water levels at the abstraction point, supporting reliable supply of raw water to the company’s main water treatment plant.
Mr Phiri says the weir is a critical investment in strengthening the reliability of water supply in Solwezi as the main treatment plant depends on the Solwezi river as a key source of raw water.
“By improving water levels at the abstraction point, the infrastructure is expected to enhance raw water abstraction, support the efficient operation of pumping equipment and strengthen the Company’s capacity to meet customer demand,” he said.
Mr Phiri said upon completion, the project is expected to benefit an estimated population of over 40,000 people by improving raw water security and supporting more reliable water supply services.
He said the Solwezi Weir project demonstrates the water utility’s commitment to strengthening critical water supply infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and enhancing service reliability to meet the growing water needs of Solwezi.
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