Salima-Lilongwe Water project impresses minister

Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Mia has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Salima-Lilongwe Water project.

She said this on Wednesday after touring a water treatment plant in Lifuwu and other project sites in Salima.

Mia said the project started on a high note and expressed optimism that it will progress well.

She, however, acknowledged that the project faced challenges, particularly relating to supply chain disruptions that contributed to the delays over the years.

“The project will improve water supply to the people of Salima, Dowa and Lilongwe. It is a huge milestone in solving water challenges,” said Mia.

Salima-Lilongwe Water Project chief executive officer Valentine Kaupa echoed Mia’s sentiments, saying the project is making headway because the machinery is on site.

“Specialised machinery for the project has been assembled, which shows our commitment to expedite the project,” he said.

Salima Central legislator Gerald Kapiseni Phiri (Malawi Congress Party) said he was pleased that the project has started after many years of waiting.

“The project will bring employment opportunities to the people. I urge Khato Civils [the contractor] to prioritise hiring locals to ensure they are among the first to benefit from this development,” he said.

The project is pegged at over K500 billion with the Malawi Government contributing 30 percent and the rest coming from the private sector