NRWB water project nears completion
The Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) says the Karonga Water Supply Project is now at 99 percent despite facing challenges.
Speaking on Monday, NRWB chief executive officer Francis Munthali described the project as one of the most challenging they have undertaken.
He said: “The project started during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely impacted progress due to material shortages and price escalations.
“However, through collaboration with the government, financiers and community stakeholders, we are close to the finish line.”
The project includes construction of new tanks, increasing storage capacity from 1.5 million litres to 11 million litres.
The board is currently flushing and disinfecting the 38-kilometre (km) transmission pipeline and the 250-km distribution network.
“This is crucial to ensure safe drinking water. We expect Karonga to see improved water supply by September or October,” said Munthali.
In a separate interview on Monday, NRWB board chairperson Frank Mwenifumbo highlighted how the project aligns with the Malawi 2063 and Sustainable Development Goal Number Six, which aims for universal access to water by 2030.
“The water supply system now extends from Karonga Town to Pusi, Mpata and Nyungwe, covering 98km,” he said.
The project will also provide 5 000 free water connections.
Mwenifumbo praised government’s commitment, highlighting the significant impact on Karonga’s socio-economic growth through sustainable water supply.
Fyness Lughali, a resident of Mlare in the district, commended NRWB for extending water access to her area.
The project, supported by Badea, the Opec Fund and the Malawi Government, will serve at least 185 000 people in Karonga by 2040
