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Luapula, Tanganyika and Zambezi (ECZ, 2008 ) as
shown in Table 2.2.
The country’s expanding urban population, industrial
and agricultural growth, and the changing climate
have all affected water availability to Zambia’s overall
population. In 2011, the total domestic water supply
coverage in urban areas was 77.5 per cent. Lusaka city
had the highest percentage of residents (82 per cent)
with access to water services. That same year, only
15 per cent of the residents of Luapula had access to
water services (NWASCO, 2012).
Kafue River
McMorrow, B.J., 2010
Ministry of Energy and Water Development, 2010
Water sustains life and plays an important role
in Zambia’s socio-economic development. Many
economic activities including agriculture, mining and
tourism are dependent on the availability of water.
Out of country’s total area of 752,614 sq
kilometres, water covers an estimated area of
11,890 sq. kilometres (Environmental Council of
Zambia, 2008). This constitutes rivers and lakes
such as Mweru, Bangweulu, Kariba and Itezhi-tezhi
as shown in Figure 2.12. The country’s major river
catchments include Chambeshi, Kafue, Luangwa,
River Catchment
Total Catchment Area (km2)
(AreaOutsideZambia)
%Contribution to SurfaceWater Potential
Annual Run-off (km3)
LakeTanganyika
15 856
(233 244)
1.73
1.99
Kafue River
156 995
8.4
9.88
Chambeshi River
44
427
7.62
8.75
Luangwa River
144 358
(3 264)
19.44
22.32
Luapula River
173 396
26.25
30.14
Zambezi River
268 235
(418 814)
36.36
41.75
Total
803 267
(422 078)
99.8
114.83
Water Resources
Table 2.2: Zambia’s Major River Catchments
Luapula River
McMorrow, B.J., 2010