Date: 5th November, 2025

The Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA), with support from the United Nations Childrenโ€™s Fund (UNICEF) through the WASHE Programme, is hosting a three-day capacity-building workshop in Mansa, Luapula Province, focused on the professionalization of drilling standards, borehole drilling, supervision, contracting, and groundwater protection.

The workshop brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including traditional leadership representatives, drilling companies, local authority officials, Ministry of Local Government personnel, inspectors and engineers from the Water Development sector, heads of government departments, civil society actors, and other key partners involved in water resource management.

Speaking at the official opening of the workshop, Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Prudence Chinama Kangwa, emphasized that adopting professional drilling standards, proper contracting practices, and safeguarding groundwater are essential for sustainable development. She highlighted that these measures will strengthen agricultural productivity, improve public health, enhance rural livelihoods, and support education, particularly for women and girls.

Mrs. Kangwa stressed that if communities embrace professionalism in drilling, contracting, and groundwater protection, Luapula Province can lay a strong foundation for a sustainable water supply system, improved school attendance, better maternal health, and increased economic participation. She further commended WARMA and its partners, including UNICEF, for promoting high standards in groundwater management, noting that the initiative aligns with the governmentโ€™s broader agenda on climate resilience and sustainable service delivery.

Meanwhile, WARMA Acting Director General, Mrs. Misozi Ngulube-Lumpa, noted that boreholes have become a crucial source of water for households, schools, and local businesses. However, she cautioned that improper siting, overuse, and contamination can compromise their functionality and water quality.

She revealed that WARMA continues to work closely with stakeholders through inspections, technical guidance, and community engagement to ensure that boreholes serve their intended purpose safely and sustainably.

Mrs. Ngulube-Lumpa explained that the training will focus on professional drilling standards, responsible procurement and contracting, and groundwater protection as the foundation of sustainable water management.

She noted that professional drilling standards ensure every borehole meets rigorous technical specifications, is properly supervised, and delivers safe, high-quality water. Responsible procurement and contracting promote accountability and efficiency in the use of public resources through the Zambian Government Electronic Tendering System (eGP), which ensures transparency, value for money, and institutional trust. Groundwater protection preserves this vital resource from contamination through the establishment of protection zones, risk assessments, and proactive community engagement.

She further highlighted that, building on these core areas, the workshop strengthens data collection, information management, and community sensitization, while supporting the development of groundwater databases and analytical tools such as heat maps.

These efforts will guide evidence-based decisions on borehole siting and sustainable water allocation, ensuring that communities in Luapula Province have reliable access to clean and safe water for generations to come.

Mrs. Ngulube-Lumpa underscored that delivering safe water requires excellence, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to protecting the sources upon which communities depend. She reaffirmed WARMAโ€™s commitment to ensuring that all groundwater development activities are conducted responsibly, transparently, and in alignment with national water management standards.

This initiative reflects WARMAโ€™s unwavering commitment to excellence, transparency, and resilience in Zambiaโ€™s water sector. By bringing together government officials, traditional leaders, drilling companies, civil society, and other key stakeholders, with the continued support of UNICEF, the Authority continues to build capacity, uphold professional standards, and promote sustainable groundwater management across Luapula Province and beyond.