Musaya Ward Rejoices as Zemba Zemba Dam Rehabilitation Begins
By Kondwani Thindwa - Panos Institute, Zambia
For over 17 years, residents of Musaya Ward in Chirundu District have endured an ongoing battle against water scarcity. The devastating floods of 2008-2009 not only displaced over 102,000 families across Zambia but also destroyed critical infrastructure in Musaya, including the Zemba Zemba Dam. Once a lifeline for agriculture, fishing, and household needs, the dam’s collapse left the community reliant on a single borehole, which produced unsafe water suspected of containing heavy metals.
Determined to restore their primary water source, the people of Musaya have relentlessly advocated for the dam’s rehabilitation. Their efforts gained momentum in 2022 when the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ), through its Disability Inclusion in Climate Action Project, amplified the community’s plea. The project brought renewed attention to the dire situation, setting the stage for a breakthrough.
A Turning Point: Securing Support and Funding
The long-awaited breakthrough came in 2024 when CEJ, funded by WWF under the Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) programme, conducted a feasibility study and developed dam rehabilitation designs. The study confirmed that boreholes were not a viable alternative, reinforcing the need to restore the dam. As a result, VCA allocated EUR 10,000 to kickstart the rehabilitation process.
Further advocacy efforts led to additional support from the Chirundu Town Council, which committed K600,000 from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to construct a new spillway, one of the most critical and costly components of the dam. The Ministry of Water Resources Development and Sanitation also stepped in, providing technical expertise and appointing a site project manager to oversee construction.
Official Launch and Construction Timeline
On February 21, 2025, on a momentous occasion, the Chirundu Town Council, alongside CEJ representatives and enthusiastic community members, officially handed over the project site to the appointed contractor. Engineers from the Ministry of Water Resources Development and Sanitation stated that they would finalise embankment assessments on the dam by February 26, 2025, paving the way for construction to commence. The project is officially underway, and 25% of the K893,176.80 spillway construction cost has already been disbursed.
Hope Rekindled: A Brighter Future for Musaya
The rehabilitation of Zemba Zemba Dam is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a beacon of hope for over 6,500 residents. Beyond restoring access to clean drinking water, the initiative will rejuvenate agricultural activities and fishing, strengthening the community’s economic stability. Plans also include integrating a water filtration system to ensure safe consumption and an adequate water supply for livestock.
Musaya residents have taken an active role in ensuring transparency throughout the process. They have pledged to monitor financial transactions and collaborate closely with CEJ and the contractor to track progress. Additionally, resource mobilisation efforts will continue as the community engages government entities and external donors to secure the remaining funds needed for full project completion.
A Triumph of Advocacy and Collaboration
The launch of the Zemba Zemba Dam rehabilitation is a testament to the power of persistent advocacy, strategic partnerships, and community-driven solutions. After years of struggle, Musaya Ward is witnessing the revival of a vital resource that promises to transform lives. With the collective efforts of CEJ, WWF, the VCA programme, Chirundu Town Council, and the Ministry of Water Resources, the long-overdue dream of reliable water access is finally becoming a reality. For the people of Musaya, this marks the dawn of a new era of water security, economic growth, and resilience.
