THE Parliamentary caucus on Water Sanitation and Hygiene (PC-WASH) has cautioned borehole drilling companies in the country against exploiting citizens.

ZANIS reports that PC WASH Chairperson, Twaambo Mutinta has noted with sadness the rampant exploitation of citizens by various drilling companies across the country.

Mr Mutinta who is also Itezhi tezhi lawmaker, highlighted some concerns among them inflated pricing, drilling of dry boreholes and requests of payments for casings from clients with claims of the soil collapsing underground.

He said this in a media statement issued by the Zambia NGO WASH Forum Communications office.

Mr Mutinta stated that this trend which is usually done without prior information by the companies has particularly affected vulnerable groups in the country.

He stressed that access to water is a fundamental human right, hence, the need for immediate interventions by regulatory bodies to ensure fair practices in its provision.

Mr Mutinta further underscored the importance of clean and sustainable water sources especially in light of the evident impacts of climate change.

“As the situation becomes increasingly critical, it is imperative to protect citizens from exploitation amidst these challenges, also drilling companies must ensure they flush out the muddy water immediately after drilling to avoid silting,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Mutinta has commended the Water Voices United (WVU) for advocating for the right to water and sanitation through its initiatives aimed at enhancing capabilities and synergies among WASH Civil Society Organisations in the country.

WVU is a transformative four year project co-funded by the European Union and Danish People’s Aid and is spearheaded by SNV in partnership with the NGO WASH Forum.