Some parts of the Mkushi River that had dried up have started flowing with water again. This is after the Water Resource Management authority WARMA made interventions to ensure that unauthorized obstruction of water by commercial farmers upstream were stopped.
WARMA public relations officer Joshua Kapila told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT that the authority worked in collaboration with affected community members, water users and traditional leadership for water to be released which was trapped at unauthorized points.
Speaking during a situation assessment at various points of Mkushi River, Kapila said the authority would not allow a situation where communities are deprived of water that is a basic human need. More especially were there is no authority given.
He said WARMA would take necessary action against any person or institution obstructing water flow illegally with or without a permit. Meanwhile, WARMA inspector Felix Kabombo said plans are underway to start issuing water permits to small-scale farmers.
Kabombo said WARMA would also educate the small-scale famers on good water usage and conservation. This will allow them to grow in a sustainable manner which will also ensure that water bodies and rivers are able to flow and support various communities and environments.
