* Includes authoring a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Treasury, copied to the World Bank
and the European Union falsely representing the Board of Directors seeking funds for an institutional modernisation programme
* Purported appointment of an acting director of finance without the knowledge and approval of the Board
* Obtaining of a K500 million overdraft facility from First Capital Bank on July 23, 2026 without the knowledge and/or approval of the Board of Directors
By Duncan Mlanjira
The Board of Directors of Blantyre Water Board (BWB) has suspended its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Yeremia Chihana pending inquiry into allegations of misconduct.
Yeremia Chihana
A letter from the Board signed by chairperson Stanley Chirwa dated August 28, 2026, states out that the misconduct allegations include Chihana authoring a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Treasury — copied to the World Bank and the European Union — falsely representing the Board of Directors in seeking funds for an institutional modernisation programme.
He also accused to have appointed an acting director of finance without the knowledge and approval of the Board and obtaining of a K500 million overdraft facility from First Capital Bank on July 23, 2026 without the knowledge and/or approval of the Board of Directors.
The Board indicates that allegations were considered at its extraordinary meeting held on this Friday, August 28, 2026 — thus concluding that “the matters raised are of a nature which, in the Board’s preliminary assessment, require an immediate formal inquiry”.
“The Board considers that it would be prejudicial to the interests of Blantyre Water Board for you to continue in the exécution of your duties while the relevant matters are being investigated and determined as some of the allegations border on mismanagement of funds, misrepresentation as well as apparent incompetence in the execution of your duties.
“Accordingly, pursuant to Clause 3(d) of your Contract of Employment, you are hereby suspended from the performance of your duties as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect pending an immediate disciplinary inquiry and further action by the Board in line with your contract of employment, staff service regulations and employment laws of Malawi.
“For avoidance of doubt, this suspension is an interim administrative measure and does not constitute a finding that you have committed any misconduct or that the allegations against you have been established.
“In accordance with Clause 3(d) of your Contract of Employment, the inquiry shall commence not later than 14 days from the date of your suspension.”
During the period of the suspension, Chihana has been ordered to:
1. refrain from performing the functions and duties of BWB CEO unless expressly authorised in writing by the Board;
2. remain available to participate in the inquiry and any related proceedings;
3. cooperate fully with the inquiry and provide such information, documents and explanations as may properly be required;
4. preserve and not destroy, alter, remove, conceal or interfere with any records, documents, electronic information or other material relevant to the matters under inquiry;
5. not interfere with, intimidate, threaten or otherwise improperly influence any employee, officer, witness or other person who may be required to participate in the inquiry; and
6. comply with all lawful directions issued by the Board in relation to the suspension and inquiry.
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“You are further required to hand over all Board property, documents, files, records, keys, access devices and other official materials in your possession, including other property where so directed by the Board, to the acting director of Human Resources and Administration not later than the 31st of August 2026.”
Chihana has been assured that he shall be formally notified of the matters to be considered in the inquiry and afforded an opportunity to respond to the allegations against him before any decision would be made.
“The Board expressly reserves its rights under Clause 3 of your Contract of Employment, as well as its rights under the applicable laws of Malawi and the Staff Terms and Conditions of Service of Blantyre Water Board.
“Be further advised that the matters raised in this letter are distinct from those before Judicial Review Cause Number 9 of 2026.
“You are, accordingly, directed to comply with this notice with immediate effect,” says the suspension letter copied to the Comptroller of Statutory Corporations, The Chief Secretary in the Office of the President & Cabinet, Secretary for Agriculture, Irrigation & Water Development; and to BWB acting Director of Human Resources & Administration, Lawrence Kadzitche.
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