Water Project to Begin in February, Easing Supply Woes
The $315 million project aims to improve water access for over one million residents in Salima, Dowa and Lilongwe districts.
SALIMA, Malawi - Construction of the long-awaited Salima-Lilongwe water supply project will finally begin in February, Malawi government officials announced Friday, writes Fostina Mkandawire, MANA.
The $315 million project aims to improve water access for over one million residents in Salima, Dowa and Lilongwe districts.
"This project has stalled for close to six years; therefore, to finally have it rolling will be a huge step in ensuring that water supply to the people of Salima and surrounding areas is efficient and reliable," said Elias Chimlambe, Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation in the Ministry of Water and Sanitation.
The project was initially planned to supply water only to Lilongwe City but has been expanded to also serve Dowa and Salima districts.
Valentine Kaupa, CEO of the Salima-Lilongwe Water Supply Company implementing the project, said 30 percent of the budget will come from the government, with 70 percent funded by private institutions.
"We are anticipating that the project will be fast tracked since it has stalled for long; therefore, what we would like to see if there will not be any setbacks is that the project should be completed within 24 months," Kaupa said.
Water will be pumped from Lake Malawi and treated at Lifuwu, Katengeza, Mvera and Kanengo before distribution.
James Mwenda, Salima District Commissioner, called for collaboration between officials and project implementers.
He said the project will help solve socioeconomic problems in Salima.
President Lazarus Chakwera is expected to officially launch the project in Salima in February.