Petauke District, Eastern Province | July 2026
The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation has officially commissioned the Lutwazi Dam in Petauke Central Constituency, marking another significant milestone in the Government’s efforts to improve water security, strengthen climate resilience, and enhance the livelihoods of communities across Zambia.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Permanent Secretary Eng. Romas Kamanga said the successful completion of the dam reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to investing in strategic water infrastructure that supports sustainable socio-economic development and improves the quality of life of citizens.
Constructed at a total cost of K7,191,252.41, the Lutwazi Dam is expected to directly benefit more than 4,080 people while providing a reliable water source for approximately 9,900 livestock. The facility will also improve access to water for domestic use, agriculture, livestock watering, fisheries, and other productive economic activities for surrounding communities.
Eng. Kamanga noted that the project will contribute significantly to increased agricultural production, improved livestock farming, and expanded income-generating opportunities, thereby supporting poverty reduction and improving household livelihoods in Petauke District.
He emphasized that water remains one of the country’s most vital resources for national development, underpinning food security, public health, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. Investments in water infrastructure such as the Lutwazi Dam, he said, are essential in helping communities withstand the effects of recurring droughts and erratic rainfall while strengthening resilience to climate change.
The Permanent Secretary further stated that the commissioning of the dam aligns with the Government’s development agenda of ensuring that no community is left behind in accessing safe, reliable, and sustainable water resources. The project also supports national priorities aimed at promoting rural development, enhancing food security, improving livelihoods, and building resilient communities.
Eng. Kamanga expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the successful implementation of the project, including engineers, contractors, consultants, local authorities, traditional leaders, and members of the community for their dedication, professionalism, and cooperation throughout the construction process.
He urged the people of Petauke Central Constituency to take ownership of the facility by protecting it from vandalism, supporting its proper operation and maintenance, and ensuring that it is used responsibly for the benefit of both present and future generations.
The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to expanding water infrastructure across the country through continued investment in projects that improve access to safe, reliable, and sustainable water resources for domestic use, agriculture, livestock production, and other productive sectors of the economy.
Describing the project as more than just an infrastructure development, Eng. Kamanga said the Lutwazi Dam represents hope, resilience, and the Government’s determination to improve the lives of the Zambian people through strategic investments in water resource development.
He officially commissioned the Lutwazi Dam and expressed confidence that the facility will bring lasting prosperity, enhanced food security, improved livelihoods, and sustainable development to the people of Petauke Central Constituency and surrounding communities for many years to come.
By: Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation-PR Unit
