An international expert has observed that despite Malawi facing severe droughts, floods and a devastating cholera outbreak, it could become a global model for water security by 2030 if stakeholders unite behind urgent reforms.
Speaking at a Multi-Stakeholder Leadership Forum on Water Security in Lilongwe last week, Water Witness International chief executive officer Nick Hepworth hailed Malawi’s progress, citing initiatives like the Malawi 2063 Vision (MW2063), the creation of the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, and the President’s Compact which prioritises climate resilience.
He further observed that Malawi is a regional and global pioneer of water stewardship in the private sector, boasting the first farms and co-operatives to use the Alliance for Water Stewardship standard.
Said Hepworth: “There is also leadership emerging in the financial sector, with the Reserve Bank guidelines for managing climate risks. And in December, they published their excellent feasibility study on greening Malawi’s financial sector.”
However, the hydrologist indicated that challenges remain; adding that stakeholders face pressure to deliver quick results and use funds effectively, particularly as climate crises worsen and political attention shifts elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Malawi has been added as a beneficiary of United Kingdom’s (UK) Just Transition for Water Security (JTWS) programme which, among others, aims to unlock $70 billion annually for Africa’s water projects.
The programme also seeks to make corporate water conservation standard practice by 2030, and further align national policies with climate needs such as sustainable farming and energy plans.
In her remarks, Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Sidik Mia urged stakeholders to prioritise action over words.
She pointed out that with less than five years to meet the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goal Six on improved water access, there is need to triple efforts to provide safe drinking water to millions.
Said Mia: “We do not have time for just rhetoric. What we need now is action. Millions of Malawians are looking up to us to have a taste of water that is safe and free of impurities.”
According to the minister, some of the progress made include solar-powered water systems in rural areas, climate-resilient infrastructure and new institutions like the National Water Resources Authority.
She also cited other priorities under the 10-year development plan, including building dams to control floods and droughts, expanding clean water access in vulnerable communities and passing a Sanitation and Hygiene Bill to prevent disease outbreaks.
