As water crisis continue to rock the commercial capital Blantyre with Bangwe Township being the most affected area as residents have gone months without water, President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika on Tuesday paid a surprise visit to Blantyre Water Board.
FaceofMalawi understands that the aim of the President visits was to appreciate the progress the board is making in quest to improve the water situation for residents in the city of Blantyre and surrounding areas.
Speaking after touring the place, Mutharika said expressed concern over the state of equipment that the board is currently using.
“I am extremely humbled by the understanding and patience that the people have demonstrated in the face of extreme water challenges.
“I am greatly concerned with the state of the equipment the board has which is too old. Another concern is the deforestation around the Mudi dam catchment area. I am happy to report that that the Blantyre Water Board has made noteworthy progress in improving its infrastructure mainly at the main pumping site – the Walkers ferry in a bid to increase both pumping and distribution capacity,” said Mutharika.
Mutharika expressed commitment to support the Likhubula Water Supply System project the board is planning to undertake.
“During my visit to India later this month, my government will conclude the deal to secure about MK14 billion for the project where an additional 20,000 cubic metres of water will be produced and significantly reduce the water deficit in the city.
“My government also supports the board’s long term plans to develop a new water source on the River Shire in order to meet the 2040 projected demand of 230,000 cubic metres of treated water,” said Mutharika.
Mutharika further said that his government has also approved reforms in Water Boards across the country which among other things will allow the board to generate its own power which will help them save up to MK1 billion every 4 months in electricity bills.
