Diamphwe dam to end Lilongwe water shortages

Water shortages in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, will be history when a multi-purpose dam on the Diamphwe River in Dedza is completed.

Lilongwe Water Board spokesperson Trevor Phoya said the project will take six years to be completed and will ensure adequate supply of clean water to the city for 25 years.

The project is expected to cost over K160 million (about $958 083) and preliminary designs and environmental impact assessment are being done by a France-based consultants, Sogreah.

“The work include mapping and pegging the area earmarked for the dam. This is being funded by the World Bank to the tune of $200 000,” said Phoya.

Meanwhile, community mobilisation and sensitisation meetings with local people are going on

“With the current population of Lilongwe City standing at about 800 000 and a growth rate of 5 percent per annum, the current production capacity is not enough to satisfy the demand.

“It is estimated that by 2025, the demand for treated water will be at 153 000 cubic metres per day, hence the need to increase both capacity of the water treatment facilities as well as the water source,” said Phoya.

Studies have shown that the Diamphwe River is the best alternative new water source for the city.