CRWB optimistic onK1.2tn investment
Central Region Water Board (CRWB) chief executive officer John Makwenda says the board is on the right track to raise $683 million (about K1.2 trillion) for implementation of its various projects by 2026.
In an interview on Monday, he said the 17 percent funding secured will give confidence to development partners and investors to provide more resources for the projects.
“We are not intimidated by the figure. We just have to look for the money. We need the money to invest in robust systems that will take years before we think of investing again. We need to push to turn around the water situation of the region,” said Makwenda.
He also said CRWB has secured about K80 billion for the Kholongo Multipurpose Dam Project in Mponela, Dowa, about K32 billion for the Dowa Water Project and about K31 billion for the Salima Water Project.
“The Kholongo and Dowa water projects are making progress. For the Salima and Senga Bay projects, we want to rehabilitate the system. The European Union will finance the project worth over K31 billion,” said Makwenda.
Ministry of Water and Sanitation Principal Secretary Elias Chimulambe said the projects are in line with the government’s agenda of ensuring that all Malawians have access to safe water and sanitation services.
“The ministry is doing everything possible to ensure that the water supply and sanitation projects under the CRWB are implemented. This is also the case with all the other water boards,” he said.
Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Public Infrastructure chairperson Enock Phale said he was hopeful that the projects will be implemented, saying government and development partners were showing interest.
In its 2021-2026 strategic plan, CRWB identified 16 major infrastructure projects aimed at constructing new water supply systems, rehabilitating, upgrading and expanding existing schemes.
