Likoma Islands Water Users Associations Handed Over to NRWB, Addressing Sustainability Challenges
Likoma Islands Water Users Associations officially handed over to Northern Region Water Board to address sustainability challenges.
LIKOMA, MALAWI — Likoma Islands Water Users Associations (WUAs) will be officially handed over to the Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) after local management failed to ensure sustainability, writes Oliver Malibisa.
The decision was made during a stakeholders' consultative meeting held on Wednesday in the island district, following a request made by communities through the district council two years ago.
Alexander Chitanda, the board chairperson for Likoma WUA, acknowledged the challenges faced by the organisation in ensuring sustainability due to the increasing demand for new water connections.
"After we requested officials from the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, Northern Region Water Board, and local government to take over the statutory operations of both Likoma and Chizumululu facilities, they have now come to our aid," Chitanda explained.
He expressed confidence that the NRWB would address the technical areas that the local boards had struggled to manage, such as networks, new water connections, the procurement of equipment, and additional staff.
Chitanda also proposed the establishment of a bottled water company on the island, which would provide an additional source of revenue for the development of Likoma district.
In response, Dr Asumani Ungwe, the Director of Operations at NRWB, acknowledged the challenges local management teams face in high-demand areas with rapidly growing populations.
"Likoma is one such district that requires uninterrupted water access per the 2063 agenda. We will ensure that all accumulated debts are paid off promptly," Ungwe stated.
The Ministry of Local Government confirmed its agreement with the island community to hand over the operations of both islands' water facilities to NRWB for effective water supply.
Douglas Mkwete, the Director of Local Services in the ministry, emphasised that the transfer to NRWB was a way to enhance community development and achieve the government's goal of improving portable water supply nationwide.
The handover of Likoma Islands Water Users Associations to NRWB is expected to address sustainability challenges and ensure a reliable water supply for the islanders.