UNZA Declared Safe After Emergency Sewer Works

The University of Zambia has confirmed that emergency sewer rehabilitation works at its Great East Road Campus are complete, with sewer and water services now fully restored to student residences.

Acting Head of Communication and Marketing Damaseke Chibale said the new infrastructure is fully operational following a joint inspection by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company, the Zambia National Service and the University.

A Partial Practical Completion Certificate was issued on 10 July 2026, confirming the works meet the required standards, with only minor defects still to be addressed.

The project covered rehabilitation of the main sewer line, restoration of sewer systems across student hostels, installation of new sanitary fittings, replacement of damaged water supply pipelines, and further sanitation and electrical upgrades.

Mr Chibale said the improvements have restored a reliable water supply, improved sanitation and made the affected residences safe for occupation and a return to normal academic activities.

Speaking to ZNBC News, he confirmed that work on a few remaining sections of the wider project will continue, but will not disrupt teaching, learning or administrative operations.

He thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for facilitating the emergency works, saying his intervention was instrumental in mobilising the resources needed to resolve the crisis.

The University also extended its gratitude to the Ministries of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Education and Health, the Zambia National Service, the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company, the Zambia Correctional Service, the Disaster Risk Management Division, and the wider university community for their support.