Minister Mbilizi calls on traditional leaders to treat water infrastructure vandalism with zero tolerance

Mbilizi touring BWB water supply system in Mulanje

* Following her visit to Mulanje after receiving numerous complaints about water shortages in the district where BWB draws it water from for Blantyre City

* As part of its corporate social responsibility, BWB installed water supply pipes to communities in the surrounding areas

By Duncan Mlanjira

Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation & Water Development, Roza Fatch Mbilizi has called on traditional leaders and community members to treat water infrastructure vandalism with zero tolerance to ensure sustainable water supply services.

This has been reported by the media platform for Blantyre Water Board (BWB) after the Minister toured following numerous complaints about water shortages in the district.

BWB sources its water from Mulanje’s Likhubula River through gravity to convey it to Nguludi Pumping Station for treatment before distributing it to customers in Blantyre City.

Following the complaints of the water shortages, the Minister thus visited the district to engage key stakeholders — that included Mulanje Water Users Association — to find lasting solutions to the problem.

BWB Media reports that water supply challenges affecting some residents in the district are largely attributed to vandalism of its infrastructure.

Thus Mbilizi emphasised the need for community leaders to work closely with water boards and other relevant stakeholders to protect water infrastructure against vandalism, theft and other forms of damage that disrupt water supply services.

Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Henri M Bakuwa, appraised Minister that as part of its corporate social responsibility, BWB installed water supply pipes that draw water from the Likhubula River to supply communities in the surrounding areas.

He, however indicated that a recent assessment revealed extensive damage to the downstream pipe network and storage tanks, completely cutting off access to safe water for the affected communities.

Vandalism is hitting hard the operations of BWB and within one month, its main water transmission pipeline from Walkers Ferry to Chileka was twice destroyed rendering taps dry in Blantyre City for some days.

BWB is on a campaign to sensitise the public that they have a role to play to report suspected acts of vandalism and theft as replacement of damaged and stolen infrastructure is costly.

It also emphasises that disruption of water supply affects people’s economic development including the very same people who are involved in the vice.

The Minister herself reported on her official Facebook account, indicating that the engagement, held at Hapuwani Village Lodge, involved representatives from the Southern Region Water Board (SRWB), BWB, National Water Resources Authority (NWRA), Mulanje District Council and the Water Users Association.

“We discussed the challenges raised by water users and explored ways of improving water supply to local communities,” she reported.

“It is unacceptable for people in Mulanje to continue struggling to access water when the district has abundant water resources from Mulanje Mountain.

“The concerns raised by the Water Users Association are valid, and there is an urgent need for practical interventions to ensure that local communities also benefit from these resources.

“As a government, it is our responsibility to listen to the concerns of our people and take action to address the challenges they face.

“I am hopeful that within the next three months, we will make meaningful progress towards resolving the water problems in Mulanje.

“I will also return to assess the progress made and ensure that tangible solutions are being delivered to the people.”