Board asks water users’ groups to develop strategic plans

Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) has advised water users associations (WUAs) to develop a strategic plan to guide them in the next five years when a new system, e-madzi, will be operational.

LWB chief executive officer Alfonso Chikuni gave the advice during an award presentation ceremony of outstanding WUAs in Lilongwe yesterday.

Operationalisation of e-madzi system will mean phasing out of cash-on-service system which has seen some members of WUAs securing livelihood through water kiosk management roles.

“Currently, some WUA members are employed to be managing kiosks and collect water user fees but once the e-Madzi system comes into force, these may not be required; hence, the need to have a plan on what you will be doing next,” he said.

Chikuni said the board has already laid out plans to construct water reservoirs in all kiosks, especially in the areas that are affected by low water pressure to ensure water users have access to potable water all the time.

Areas such as 24, Mlodza in Area 23, Area 25 and Area 49 are some of the areas that face frequent low water pressure During the awards, Kauma WUA emerged winners and got a trophy and K2 million followed by  Malili WUA which received K1 million. Area 50 came third and were given K500 000.

Kauma WUA board chairperson group village head Kauma said the win was the result of coordination between chiefs and community members.  

He said the money will go towards community development.