Zambia Grapples with Drought, Issues Water Permits Amid Groundwater Concerns
The issuance of new permits alongside warnings about groundwater depletion underscores the delicate balance between economic needs and environmental sustainability.
LUSAKA, Zambia— Zambia's Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) has issued 152 water permits in response to drought conditions while warning of insufficient groundwater recharge in 84 affected districts, writes Winston Mwale.
The permits, granted for various commercial activities, include 83 for surface water and 69 for groundwater use.
These additions bring the total number of water permits in WARMA's database to 2,294.
WARMA officials report that the prolonged drought has caused groundwater levels to drop significantly, particularly in Southern, Western, Eastern, and parts of Lusaka Provinces.
The authority predicts that high-pumping boreholes in areas of Lusaka, including Chalala, Makeni, Lusaka West, and Chongwe, may dry up by August or September 2024.
"Streams supporting groundwater recharge in Southern Province have dried up earlier than usual this year," said Smart Kalaluka, WARMA's Senior Public Relations and Communications Officer.
"However, areas with low pumping rates have not seen significant impacts on water levels."
In response to the crisis, WARMA has intensified compliance inspections and enforcement in the drilling sector.
The authority is mandating that only licensed drillers conduct operations and requiring the installation of GPS devices on drilling rigs to prevent illegal activities.
WARMA urges the public to engage qualified geophysical consultants for borehole siting to avoid shallow wells prone to drying up.
The authority also emphasizes the need for water conservation to enhance resilience during the drought period.
This situation highlights the growing challenges of water management in Zambia as climate change impacts become more pronounced.
The issuance of new permits alongside warnings about groundwater depletion underscores the delicate balance between economic needs and environmental sustainability.