The Circle for Integrated Community Development (Cicod) is pushing for the removal of Malawi’s members of Parliament (MPs) from community committees responsible for water users’ associations (WUAs).
Cicod accuses MPs of bringing politics in water projects across Malawi.
Cicod project officer Chifundo Dalileni last week said they have so far succeeded to remove two MPs from WUA committees in Lilongwe constituencies, adding that most MPs are, however, clinging to the committees to maintain their grip on water projects.
“We have learnt that when the MP is leading the water committee, he wants to bring his own people into the projects and community structures. You end up having committees which are full of politicians.
“This affects implementation and sustainability of water projects because of the unnecessary changes of leadership,” said Dalileni.
He said some communities expect to get water from kiosks for free when MPs head the committees, a situation that leads to piling up of water bills as WUAs fail to raise money for the same.
“We are not saying that MPs should not be involved in water projects. They can play other roles, but should not serve as chairpersons of WUA committees because water projects are meant for everybody in the constituency,” said Dalileni.
Chinsapo WUA board member Patrick Kapalamula said politics threatens sustainability of structures responsible for water projects in communities.
He said they also want to change their constitution to bar an MP from chairing their committee.
