PUPILS at State Lodge ‘B’ Secondary School in Chongwe District are reaping the benefits of a transformative donation by the IK Charitable Trust, who have gifted the school with fully functional borehole and a solar panel to address longstanding water scarcity issues.
This philanthropic investment has brought renewed sense of hope to the school community, enabling pupils to access clean water with ease and allowing the school to flourish academically and socially.
The donation consisted of a comprehensive water provision system that included a borehole, a solar water pump, a 10,000 liter storage tank, and plumbing infrastructure.
In the wake of water shortage that struck the school with over 800 pupils since last year September, the pupils were left without access to clean, portable water on campus, creating a situation of extreme hardship and desperation.
To ensure they had access to water for drinking and potential hygiene, pupils were forced walk to neighboring areas to draw water from communal boreholes, transporting it back to the school in heavy drums that they dragged over long distances.
This however made pupils miss valuable class time as they compromised their academic progress.
Speaking during the donation, School Headteacher Catherine Chilukusha lamented that the water shortage also created unsanitary conditions in the toilets due to lack of running water, which put the health of pupils and the staff at risk.
Chilukusha shared that the arrival of the borehole and solar panel is a light in the darkness for the school as this will make it easier for both pupils and the staff to get clean water and will make the school a much healthier place.
And provincial education officer Terry Changwe underscored the importance of clean water in fostering safe and healthy environment, asserting that when pupils lack access to clean water, they are put at risk of illnesses that can hinder their ability to learn and ultimately hinder their academic performances.
“The implementation of free education is a comprehensive undertaking that requires more than just textbooks and classrooms. This is why we place such a high value on the support and partnership of charitable organisations like IK Charitable Trust as they understand the myriad challenges we face and are willing to help us bridge the gaps in resources and expertise that hinder the delivery of quality education,” he stated.
Meanwhile, IK Charitable Trust adminitration officer, Mohammed Bilal Mansuri stressed the importance of utilising renewable energy sources, highlighting the significance of solar power in this particular project.
“This investment truly empowers your school and it’s not just about equipment, it’s an investment of your health, education and future,” he said.
“The need for clean water in our communities is immense hence the need to continue to accelerate progress towards Zambia where every citizen enjoys the fundamental rights of clean water.”
Mansuri further made an impassioned call for action, stating that it is imperative to take advantage of renewable energy sources such as solar power to not only mitigate the impacts of climate change, but also to provide a more stable and consistent source of energy.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba July 1, 2025
