Southern Region Water Board Urges Blantyre Residents to Safeguard Water Resources Amid Vandalism
Southern Region Water Board urges Blantyre residents to take care of water resources, writes Peter Ngwenyama.
BLANTYRE, Malawi- The Southern Region Water Board has issued a passionate plea to residents in Blantyre, urging them to take care of and take responsibility for the valuable water resources in the city, writes Peter Ngwenyama.
The call comes in the wake of several incidents of vandalism that have prompted the board to temporarily shut down its main treatment plant.
During an inspection of the sites where the steel anchor straps were vandalised, Engineer Tisungane Kapalamula, the Director of Operations at the Southern Region Water Board, expressed deep concern over the situation and its potential consequences.
He emphasised that the issue would take time to rectify and called on residents to play their part in preventing such acts.
"We are deeply saddened by the vandalism of the pipeline's anchor straps. This will have serious repercussions for our water supply. We urge all residents to be vigilant and protect the valuable resources we have," Kapalamula stated, highlighting the need for collective responsibility.
In response to the situation, Kapalamula assured residents that the board was working diligently to resolve the problem.
However, he acknowledged that rectifying the issue would require time and collaboration with external partners.
"We are engaging with the Malawi Defence Force to assist with water supply in the interim. We are doing everything possible to restore the water supply across the city," Kapalamula added, seeking to alleviate concerns among residents.
Inspector Joseph Sauka, the Public Relations Officer for the Eastern Region, confirmed that investigations were underway to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the vandalism.
Sauka issued a stern warning, stating, "We will not tolerate such criminal acts. Those found guilty will face the full force of the law."
Blantyre residents have expressed their dismay and worry about the implications of the water supply disruption.
Edith Mateo, a businesswoman who operates a restaurant in the city's bustling market, shared her concerns, saying, "This situation puts our businesses at risk. We now have to travel long distances in search of water, which is both time-consuming and costly."
The Southern Region Water Board continues to stress the importance of responsible resource management and urges residents to report any suspicious activities or acts of vandalism to the relevant authorities.
Safeguarding the city's water resources is essential to ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply for all residents and businesses in Blantyre.