Malawi's $32M water project nears completion, to serve 184,000
The project aims to meet Karonga's increasing water demands and improve access to clean water for both urban and rural residents.
KARONGA, Malawi — A $32 million water supply project in Karonga, northern Malawi, is 99% complete and set to serve an estimated 184,000 residents, officials said Saturday, writes Winston Mwale.
President Lazarus Chakwera is expected to inaugurate the Karonga Town Water Supply Project next month, addressing the area's growing demand for potable water.
The project, funded by the OPEC fund, BADEA and the Malawian government, has significantly expanded water infrastructure.
Florence Nthakomwa, chairperson of the Northern Region Water Board's (NRWB) Operations and Projects Committee, said workers are now disinfecting pipes before water distribution begins.
"We have laid 301 kilometres of pipelines, upgraded our treatment plant from pumping 12,000 cubic meters to 31,000 cubic meters per day, installed 45 communal water points, and constructed three booster stations," Nthakomwa said during a site visit by Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Laina Kakhobwe.
The booster stations at Pusi, Mlare and Bwiba will extend potable water access to rural areas.
NRWB has also built a modern office in Karonga Town and is processing nearly 10,000 water connection applications from new customers.
The project aims to meet Karonga's increasing water demands and improve access to clean water for both urban and rural residents.