Malawi Launches Dam Project to Provide Water, Irrigation

"This is a water and sanitation facility that will upon completion provide potable water to over 130,000 people in Mponela, Madisi and surrounding areas," Chakwera said.

DOWA, Malawi— Malawi's president launched construction Monday on the Kholongo Multipurpose Dam, a major water infrastructure project that will provide drinking water to over 130,000 people as well as boost irrigation and fishing in the region, writes Winston Mwale.

President Lazarus Chakwera officially flagged off the start of construction works on the dam in Dowa district. He said the facility is a flagship project under the country's long-term Malawi2063 development plan.

"This is a water and sanitation facility that will upon completion provide potable water to over 130,000 people in Mponela, Madisi and surrounding areas," Chakwera said.

"In addition, the dam will also be used for irrigation farming, fisheries and recreation for communities."

The Kholongo Dam is the only water sector project included in the first 10-year implementation plan for the Malawi2063 vision, which aims to transform the country into an industrialized upper-middle-income nation.

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