CRWB customers get relief
Central Region Water Board (CRWB) says it will reconnect customers who were disconnected due to outstanding bills in a campaign dubbed Back to Life in the wake of the cholera outbreak.
Speaking on Monday during a tour of CRWB waterworks and a cholera treatment facility at Salima District Hospital, Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Mia said the arrangement will also extend to schools in the Central Region.
“The board is doing this to help government fight cholera. The free water connection initiative will also enhance access to potable water,” she said.
Mia, however, expressed concern over many non-functioning community water points in Salima.
“There are 86 designated water points in the district, but only 12 are functional because it means many people access water from unprotected sources,” she said.
On his part, CRWB board chairperson Edison Mombera said although they are trying to connect more people, they are facing challenges to supply water due to many factors such as intermittent power.
He said the board needs government’s support and guidance to solve water problems in Salima Town.
Mia toured several water facilities to appreciate efforts being done by CRWB to improve water supply in Salima Town and district.
As of Monday, Salima District had cumulatively registered 2 628 cholera cases and 67 deaths.
