NWRA Expresses Concern Over Unauthorized Construction in Water Bodies
NWRA warns against construction without permission, citing environmental risks.
NKHOTAKOTA, Malawi — The National Water Resource Authority (NWRA) has raised alarm over the growing trend of individuals engaging in construction and other activities without seeking permission from the authority, writes Fletcher Chiponda.
During a meeting with the District Executive Committee (DEC) members in Nkhotakota on Thursday, NWRA's Public Relations Officer, Masozi Kasambala, expressed deep concern regarding the presence of submerged buildings in various parts of the country, highlighting Kaliba Beach in Nkhotakota as a prime example of non-compliance with NWRA laws.
"As the National Water Resource Authority, we have engaged with the Nkhotakota DEC, which comprises government officials and non-state actor technocrats, to ensure the dissemination of crucial information to lower development structures such as Area Development Committees (ADCs) and Village Development Committees (VDCs)," Kasambala said.
"We have emphasised that it is illegal to carry out any construction or agricultural activities below an altitude of 477 metres above sea level, as these areas serve as buffer zones designated for public use, either for lakes or rivers."
Kasambala further explained that the NWRA has taken steps to demarcate all buffer zones to enforce compliance.
"We have marked the boundaries of these buffer zones, and any construction that has been illegally erected will be subject to the full enforcement of the law. Our objective is to ensure sanity in the construction practices," he added.
Responding to the blame directed at local councils for authorising construction in water catchment areas, Nkhotakota District Physical Planning Officer, Frank Maluwa, clarified, "In the case of Kaliba Beach, the council did not grant permission for the structure's construction. It is important to note that the developer failed to adhere to the acts and laws governing such projects. Therefore, the law should take its course."
But Kaliba Beach Manager Aubrey Chikowe has refuted allegations that the lodge was built illegally.
He told Zodiak Online on Thursday that the lodge was built following all procedures and has all relevant documents.