Kalusha Bwalya drainage system project nears completion

The Lusaka City Council has announced that construction works on the extensive 7.2-kilometre Kalusha Bwalya drainage project are fast approaching completion. This vital infrastructure development forms a key component of municipal efforts to overhaul stormwater management across flood-prone residential and commercial zones within the capital city, providing much-needed relief to local communities historically plagued by seasonal inundations. For decades, inadequate drainage networks have exposed various parts of Lusaka to torrential downpours, leading to impassable roads, structural property damage, and heightened risks of waterborne diseases during the rainy season. Local authorities have emphasized that the completion of the Kalusha Bwalya drainage system will significantly improve water flow dynamics, ease mounting pressure on existing waterways, and safeguard inhabitants from the recurrent economic disruptions associated with heavy flooding. Engineers and project coordinators have been working around the clock to ensure structural integrity and compliance with modern urban planning standards. The initiative is part of a broader, sustained push by the central government and local councils to modernize Zambia's municipal infrastructure, addressing systemic vulnerabilities that have historically hampered urban development and public health safety in high-density areas. Residents and business owners operating near the project corridor have expressed cautious optimism regarding the final stages of construction. Many community members noted that past interventions often stalled or failed to provide lasting solutions, making the timely and successful execution of this 7.2-kilometre stretch a crucial test of municipal delivery and engineering accountability. As the project nears its official commissioning, local authorities are urging communities to refrain from dumping solid waste into newly constructed canals, a pervasive challenge that frequently chokes urban dra