VICE PRESIDENT COMMENDS CBU'S LEADERSHIP IN WATER SECURITY AS ZAWAFE 2026 OPENS
VICE PRESIDENT COMMENDS CBU'S LEADERSHIP IN WATER SECURITY AS ZAWAFE 2026 OPENS
Republican Vice President Dr. W.K. Nalumango has commended The Copperbelt University (CBU) and its Vice Chancellor, Professor Imasiku Nyambe, for their leadership in advancing water security, research, and sustainable water resource management in Zambia.
Speaking when she officially opened the 14th Zambia Water Forum and Exhibition (ZAWAFE) in Lusaka, Dr. Nalumango commended Professor Nyambe, who is Chairperson of ZAWAFE, for bringing together experts, researchers, policymakers, industry players, manufacturers, development partners, and academia to collectively address challenges facing the water sector.
She noted that Professor Nyambe's work through ZAWAFE has created an important platform for dialogue, innovation, and practical solutions in water and sanitation, helping bridge the gap between research, policy, and implementation.
Dr. Nalumango further praised CBU for spearheading the Mine Water Atlas of the Zambian Copperbelt (MWAZACO) Project, an initiative aimed at enhancing understanding of mine water systems and supporting evidence-based decision-making on water management in mining communities.
The Vice President said sustainable water management remains essential to Zambia's socio-economic development and the attainment of Vision 2030.
And Professor Nyambe in his remarks, underscored the central role of water in economic development and human well-being, describing it as the connector that supports agriculture, mining, manufacturing, energy generation, tourism, fisheries, wildlife, transport, and domestic livelihoods.
Professor Nyambe said Zambia and the Southern African region continued to face significant water-related challenges, including droughts, pollution, climate change, and increasing pressure on water resources.
The Vice Chancellor also highlighted concerns arising from pollution incidents in the Kafue River Basin and announced that CBU had established the Kafue River Basin Centre of Excellence (KRBCoE) to strengthen research and interventions aimed at protecting one of Zambia's most important water systems.
He further revealed that the University had initiated the Mine Water Atlas of the Zambian Copperbelt (MWAZACO) Project, which seeks to improve understanding of groundwater and mine water interactions while contributing to sustainable water management in mining areas. Four master's students under the project are presenting research papers during the forum.
Meanwhile, Finnish Ambassador to Zambia Ms. Saana Halinen called for stronger cooperation in managing transboundary water bodies, while German Head of Development Cooperation Mr. Andreas Pletziger reaffirmed Germany's support towards strengthening Zambia's water sector.
The three-day forum has attracted delegates from Zambia and beyond, including participants from Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The event features technical presentations, policy discussions, exhibitions, and field visits aimed at identifying practical and innovative solutions to water and sanitation challenges.
The Copperbelt University is among the exhibitors at this year's forum and is showcasing research and innovations under the MWAZACO Project, reaffirming its commitment to contributing knowledge and solutions towards water security, environmental sustainability, and national development.
