The Effects of Climate Change on Urban Wash Systems in Zambia's Chirundu District: Assessing Vulnerabilities and Exploring Non-Revenue Water Management as an Adaptation Strategy

Abstract

The objectives of this research was to assess the vulnerabilities of WASH systems in Chirundu district to climate change as well as to explore the potential of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) management as an adaptation strategy. Therefore, a case study of Chirundu’s urban area was conducted using the mixed methodology. Chirundu’s urban area is currently experiencing a drought caused by the El Niño which has worsened the water supply situation. Chirundu is experiencing water scarcity which is also affecting sanitation and hygiene. With the projected increase in temperature and lowered water supply, this situation is seen to worsen over the decades if resilience against climate change is not strengthened. Vulnerabilities were said to include, diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery and typhoid. Additionally, the old water supply infrastructures make WASH vulnerable to climate change. With the water crisis and scarcity due to climate change, it is important that water losses are avoided. Water losses also puts a financial strain on water utility companies as there is lost revenue which prevents the expansion and sustainability of the water utilities. This study found that NRW is high with the highest percentage at 67% and an average of 32.57% experienced by the water utility Southern Water and Sanitation Company (SWSC) Chirundu in 2024 mostly attributed to leakages and low metering ratio. The ratio between the total water billed and total production was found to be 1:1.60, with the total water produced being twice as much as the total water billed. This coupled with the highpower consumption expenses with a total of Three Hundred Seventy-Seven Thousand Thirty-Three Zambian Kwacha (ZMW 377,033) for the period of January to August in 2024 indicates the unsustainability of their operations especially in the face of climate change. Innovative methods such as SCADA could be used to reduce NRW.