The Blantyre Water Board has expressed optimism on addressing existing water supply and sanitation challenges with the Malawi Water and Sanitation Project-1 which is currently underway.
The five-year project which was made effective on 6th June 2023 is being implemented with a K250 billion Kwacha grant that government received from the World Bank.
Mavuto Chiipanthenga Director of Technical Services for Blantyre Water Board said about 1.4 million people from the city and surrounding areas are expected to benefit from improved water services and safely managed sanitation services.
According to Chiipanthenga, currently the board is facing challenges including aged pipeline systems that were established in the 1920s as well as a high demand for water supply against a low production capacity.
However the project will among other things, upgrade the water distribution pipe networks, rehabilitate and upgrade sewer networks and also upgrade the Mudi intake and water treatment plant.
He has since called on stakeholders including religious leaders in Blantyre to play a key role in sensitizing the public to ensure effective implementation of the project.
Meanwhile Reverend Dr Charles Makata of Kanjedza First Assembly Church expressed described the project as crucial in addressing sanitation challenges like the cholera disease and called for continued engagement with stakeholders throughout the project implementation.
On his part, Chimwemwe Mndelemani, Director of Engineering and Planning Services for Blantyre City Council said the council as an implementation partner said the project will greatly improve sanitation in the city and therefore attract more investors into the city.