NGO commissions K115m water plant

Water Mission Malawi has commissioned a K115 million solar powered treated water plant at Liwaladzi in Nkhotakota where 9 831 people are expected to benefit.

The two-pump water supply unit, whose daily water production is estimated at 35 880 litres, was funded by the McKinnon family from the United States of America and handed over to the beneficiaries on Thursday.

Nkhotakota District Council chairperson Manfred Kwalipira said the project came at the right time when residents were facing water challenges.

“This area was facing critical water problems because many boreholes broke down and people have been drinking from shallow wells which was not healthy and against the World Health Organisation standards,” he said.

Kwalipira also said one in every five villages has a functioning borehole which dries up before noon and people have to wait for hours to draw water or resort to shallow wells.

Water Mission Malawi country director Nixon Sinyiza said the water plant has many advantages over a borehole since there is continued supply and the water is treated.

Senior group village head Maluma said the communities will mobilise themselves to protect the facility from vandals.

During the commissioning, 10 dual water points were opened, representing 20 water taps in 10 villages in Senior Chief Kanyenda’s area. n