Rehabilitation works on Lutwazi Dam in Petauke District of Eastern Province, have reached an advanced stage.

The  works that are being undertaken by the Zambia National Service (ZNS) at a cost of K7.1 million are at 85 percent completion.

The works commenced in September 2024 and are expected to be completed soon.

Speaking when he toured the project, Water Development and Sanitation Permanent Secretary Romas Kamanga said the government remained intentional about setting up similar facilities across the country.

This is to ensure availability of water for agricultural activities, livestock and other human activities.

“We will need such structures all over the country. It’s good that ZNS is doing a good job, there are few areas which we will discuss of course technical areas where we need to improve but by and large this is a very good project and it is done well,” he said.

And Eastern Province Water Development and Sanitation Senior Hydrologist Morrison Zulu said the dam was among the four dams that the ZNS was rehabilitating in the province.

Mr Zulu further indicated that the dam was a multipurpose dam that would address livestock, agriculture and human consumption needs.

“This is one of the four dams that are being rehabilitated by the ZNS, and in terms of the contract sum; the works are being done at a total contract sum of K7.1 million.

“In terms of the volumes that we intend to impound in this dam we are looking at over 150,000 cubic meters.

“In terms of beneficiaries it will benefit over 3000 animals as well as 2000 people around this catchment area,” he said.

Meanwhile, Headman Chimtobe Dingiswayo Banda appreciated the government for the initiative.

“We are grateful for the dam, the dam that used to be there was washed away in 1984. So we are thankful for the rehabilitation of the dam,” he said.