Roma MP mobilises against cholera
By Ludia Ngwadzai
ROMA Constituency Member of Parliament Ross Josphat Kasikili has warned of a possible cholera outbreak in the area if damaged sewer pipes are not urgently repaired and drainage systems not improved before the rainy season.
In an interview, Kasikili said almost all the five wards in the constituency were prone to flooding, making it necessary for the National Disaster Risk Management Division (NDRMD) and Lusaka City Council (LCC) to take preventive measures.
“We want to appeal to DMMU [NDRMD] that let’s not wait for the disaster to happen,” Kasikili said.
He said available resources should be used to rehabilitate drainage systems and ensure water was properly channelled into the main Bombay Drainage.
“Cholera is around the corner,” Kasikili warned.
He warned of the risk of the contamination of shallow wells in areas such as Mazyopa Compound.
His office had already started providing safe drinking water to vulnerable communities, including Mazyopa, Mulungushi Ward and Olympia Market, through boreholes.
Kasikili said the damaged sewer infrastructure in Mulungushi Ward was posing another serious health risk, particularly around Olympia, Kwacha Road and Chainama Road.
“There’s also a sewer damaged pipe that is causing hazard in Olympia, Kwacha Road, Chainama Road, to be specific,” he said.
Kasikili was concerned about a damaged sewer pipe between Roma and Mazyopa which crosses the Bombay Drainage towards the Ngwerere Sewer Ponds.
He said the pipe was completely damaged.
Addressing the drainage and sewerage challenges would be among his key priorities between now and December 2026 and January 2027 to reduce the risk of flooding and waterborne diseases.
“I’m serving both those that voted for me and those that did not vote for me. I’m a servant of the people, I’m a servant of the community, and I’m very available,” Kasikili said.
