Water crisis hits Montfort Campus
Persistent vandalism of pipes has caused residents and students at Montfort Campus in Nguludi, Chiradzulu to live without water for three weeks.
In a space of one week, vandals have twice stolen galvanised pipes that lie along the Chisombezi River.
The pipes supply water from Blantyre to the campus which comprises Catholic University of Malawi (Cunima), Montfort Special Needs College, Centre for the Deaf, the Centre for the Blind and Montfort Demonstration School.
Special Needs College principal Lazarous Thom confirmed the development in an interview yesterday, saying due to the problem, people have been getting solace from a borehole while some have been relying on water from Chisombezi River for domestic chores such as bathing and washing.
When contacted for comment, Blantyre Water Board (BWB) public affairs officer Priscilla Mateyu said five pipes of six meters each and costing K350 000 were stolen, but she was quick to indicate that a replacement had already been made.
“There has been a series of theft of these pipes. After they stole the first lot, we replaced them, but just four days later they stole the new ones again. However, the problem was that we didn’t have such pipes in stock, so we had to order,” explained Mateyu.
She, however, said during the three weeks, BWB had been sending water bowsers to provide the commodity to the campus.
Chiradzulu District has had tap water woes for years with the district’s hospital, one of the country’s few modern health facilities, being the worst hit.
