Fund set to protect water sources
Water sources protection in Blantyre and Mulanje is expected to receive a boost once the Blantyre-Mulanje Water Fund becomes fully established.
Championed by Water for People, the fund seeks to support water sources, including catchment areas, to ensure both nature and humans co-benefit from each other.
In an interview on the sidelines of a tree planting exercise at Blantyre Water Board’s Mudi Catchment Area in Blantyre on Saturday, Water for People director of influence and scale Kate Harawa, said a pre-feasibility study has been done and that formulation of a business plan will follow.
“From the business plan we will come up with what is required and the scientific proven activities that will bring maximum benefits to the catchments and allow increase of water quantities and also improve water quality,” she said.
Harawa said once the business plan is formulated, financing and implementation will follow through.
National Water Resources Authority chief executive officer Dwight Kambuku described the project as one-of-a-kind and a game changer.
He said it aligns with what is embedded in Section 25 of the Water Resources Act.
“The framers of the law put emphasis on the importance of making sure that water catchments are protected,” said Kambuku, who is also the chairperson of the water fund steering committee.
The fund is anticipated to take on board both public and private sector stakeholders.
