Economists back Salima water project
Economists in the country have backed the idea of tapping water from Lake Malawi in Salima, saying Lilongwe is growing at a fast rate, hence the need to have a reliable water source.
The Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) proposed project to pump water from Lake Malawi to the capital city, which is 125 kilometres away, has drawn mixed reactions due to, among others, lack of a feasibility study.
The project was awarded to Khato Civils through a restricted tender which, according to the Public Procurement Act, is within the law.
It is expected that the contractor will identify a financier or financiers and government will only guarantee the loan.
Speaking in interview, Chancellor College economist Ben Kalua said with Lilongwe’s population boom,it is good to have a reliable source of water which can last for many years.
“We are talking of a massive investment here. Lilongwe will be the greatest beneficiary because currently the city is growing very fast surpassing Blantyre. We need to be proactive like the Romans because water is life. For industries to thrive they need water and reliable water for that matter,” said Kalua.
On his part, Malawi Economic Justice Network director Dalitso Kubalasa said looking at the serious challenges the city faces, there is need to have the project when all outstanding issues have been sorted out.
