Water supply back at Blantyre Market

Blantyre Water Board (BWB) has reconnected water supply at Blantyre Main Market barely hours after The Nation reported that lives of thousands of people were at risk of contracting strange infections due to lack of potable water.
The market had been without running water for the past three weeks after the water utility body disconnected supply due to an outstanding bill of K1.2 million (US$2 919.7).
This development resulted in people who ply their trade within the market, resort to drawing water from the nearby polluted Mudi River for usage.
The filthy water, according to The Nation spot checks conducted during the week, was being used for washing kitchen utensils at the food kiosks and fresh farm produce such as tomatoes, vegetables and fruits.
Scores of traders, particularly women and young boys, were yesterday seen scrambling for the commodity at the two waters taps erected inside the market.
BWB public affairs officer Priscilla Mateyu also confirmed in an interview her organisation had reconnected water supply at the market after the council paid its outstanding bill.
“We reconnected water supply to the market Tuesday afternoon after they paid the whole outstanding bill for their account. So, as it is, their account is only remaining with the current balance,” confirmed Mateyu.