Water is as vital as the air we breathe.
The persistent shortage faced by many Lilongwe residents has become a crisis.
With Lilongwe Water Board struggling to meet the demand, customers grapple with dry taps as calls for action grow louder.
The right to safe water is essential for health, dignity, and survival. It underpins every aspect of life, from drinking and sanitation to community health and well-being.
LWB’s failure to consistent supply water has pushed some communities into despair, prompting citizens to demand their right to water.
The consequences of water scarcity are troubling.
Residents, who face prolonged periods without access to clean water, rely on unprotected sources that fuel disease outbreaks.
Waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery become rampant, particularly among vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly.
The overwhelmed public health facilities are strained by the surge in preventable diseases, diverting resources from other critical healthcare areas.
Meanwhile, families spend countless hours searching for water instead of dedicating the time on income-generating activities, education, employment or community engagement.
This perpetuates poverty and hinders social cohesion as tensions rise over access to dwindling resources.
The worst affected areas include Area 23’s Tambalale-Bluegum in Area 23 near Kamuzu Palace, the official residence of President Lazarus Chakwera. The community deserves immediate attention as the persistent water crisis starkly contrasts with the government’s promises.
Despite repeated assurances from LWB officials, water scarcity is worsening.
The water crisis forcing some residents to resort to unsafe sources which jeopardise their health.
The crisis started LWB announcement that it was going to clean the tanks, but the situation has become unbearable.
Surely, a family does not endure prolonged hunger simply because a maid is cleaning the utensils.
LWB should live by its motto and show the affected population that it is doing everything to address the water problem the soonest.
The customers’ frustration has reached a boiling point.
They demand accountability and swift action from authorities.
The ongoing crisis affects daily life and reflects poorly on the way government provides basics for its citizens.
The economic ramifications are alarming. As people struggle to secure clean water, their participation in productive activities diminishes and the economy suffers.
At family level, parents cannot work or provide for their dependents.
With many Malawians on the brink of poverty, the long search for basic resources threatens livelihoods and the fight against poverty.
Tambalale citizens are demanding urgent intervention from the LWB and government officials. They want sustainable solutions to ensure consistent water supply, including investment in infrastructure, improved management practices and community involvement in decision-making processes.
It is essential that the government prioritises the right to water, recognising that access to clean and safe water is fundamental to the health and well-being of the citizenry.
Community leaders are asking for transparent communication from the water board regarding the causes of the shortages and the measures being taken to address them.
Building trust between the authorities and the community is crucial for collaborative solutions.
The water shortage in Lilongwe, particularly in Tambalale-Bluegum, is not merely an inconvenience.
The humanitarian crisis demands immediate attention.
As citizens assert their right to water, they highlight the interconnected nature of health, economics and social stability.
Tambalale-Bluegum’s to the State House amplifies the need for action.
The LWB and the government must respond with urgency and commitment not only to alleviate the crisis, but also to prevent future occurrences.
Time has come to ensure that every citizen can access the water they need to lead a healthy and dignified life. Only then can Lilongwe truly thrive.
Where there is no water, people must have water. Nothing replaces water.
