The Water Resources Management Authority – WARMA has facilitated the investment of over K2.6 billion (about US$140 million) through issuance of water permits.
The water Authority stated that out of 209 applicants considered for Water Permits, a total of 190 water permits were approved and granted.
WARMA stated that the permits granted were for use of water for various economic activities which include Agricultural (88), Hydropower (2), Municipal (59), Industrial (26), Aquaculture(4) and Mining (4).
The Authority has disclosed that the envisaged direct investment that will be injected into the various economic sectors of the country as a result of the granting of the 190 water permits is approximately K2.6billion (based on developers figures).
The largest investment is in the Hydropower sector with about K1.45 billion pledged investment, followed by Agriculture with K720 million, Municipalities with K360 million, Mining with K72 million, while Industrial and Aquaculture being K27Million and K12.6 million, respectively.
WARMA Public Relations Officer Joshua Kapila told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT that the Authority grants Water permits for commercial, Agricultural and other industrial uses in the country and this is in accordance its legal mandate.
The WARMA Board of Directors has since thanked the general public and business houses that have supported the Authority in its quest to ensure equitable access to water resources by all and further wish to appeal to interested individuals or entities come forward and apply for water permits for commercial use of water.
The water Authority reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the country’s water resources are shared equitably, used sustainably and preserved for the future generations of Zambia.
