The main objective of the partnership is to ensure the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the Itawa Springs and their benefits. The main strategy of the project thus was to safeguard the spring’s integrity and lifespan by helping the direct users (community and other stakeholders) realise and appreciate the importance and value of the water it produces whilst taking into account equity, economic efficiency in water use and environmental and ecological sustainability

Project Results

Since 2012, when the Itawa Springs Protection Project was initiated, and the comprehensive development of an Ecosystem management plan in 2013, major project achievements include the following:

Engineering protection works for the site:

• Storm water drains, water kiosks, water supply tanks were constructed
• A community swimming area was improved to reduce physical risks.

The relocation of households from the vicinity of the spring

• 28 families were relocated and provided improved houses (families were moved from mud brick houses to properly constructed 2 bedroomed houses). Ndola City Council provided alternative land and Habit for Humanity constructed the houses with financing from Zambian Breweries.
• Piped water supply and decentralised sewerage system were constructed to service the houses by Kafubu Water and Sewerage Company with finances from Zambian Breweries.

Legal protection

• Partners began the process of declaring the Itawa Springs as a heritage site and National Monument
• Partners also started the process to gazette the springs and their recharge areas as water resources protection zones under the Water Resources Management Act of 2011

Ecological Restoration

• The project improved the environment around the spring through reintroduction of indigenous trees and other plants thus allowing the regeneration of the natural environment.

Community Engagement

• The project ensured effective representation of the community through their own elected leaders; this ensured the needs and interests of the community members were appropriately reflected and addressed
• The project trained and developed skills of community members in a number of areas including carpentry, driving, afforestation, tailoring etc to improve their livelihoods and income earning potential.