Water resources regulator moves to restore sanity
In a move aimed at restoring sanity, National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) says developers along Lake Malawi and other water bodies will now be required to seek approval from the institution before starting construction projects.
NWRA’s decision follows a warning that water levels in Lake Malawi will rise to 475.22 metres above sea level (masl) at the onset of the rainy season on December 1, almost 0.22 masl higher than the 475 masl recorded during the same period last year.
Speaking at a media engagement for Central Region journalists, NWRA executive director Dwight Kambuku said it was important for people to consult the authority before developing lakefront properties because of the looming threat of flooding due to predicted heavy rains associated with the La Nina phenomenon.
“Developers need to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions,” he said in an interview on the sidelines of the media workshop.
Kambuku also highlighted the need for developers to construct buildings that can withstand flooding.
“We should learn from the experiences of our counterparts in Asia, who have incorporated flood-resistant design elements into their structures,” he said.
The NWRA has now partnered with the Department of Buildings to ensure that all new constructions along the lake adhere to these guidelines. Any building project that fails to obtain NWRA approval will be halted.
In the aftermath of flooding that hit the lakeshore areas in April, NRWA spokesperson Masozi Kasambara said some of the affected structures were below the 477-contour line below sea-level, which are “restricted riparian zones to protect life and property”.
In a separate interview, Malawi Editors Forum secretary general Gracian Tukula said it was important for the media to accurately report all warning messages and safety guidelines to protect lives and property.
He further called for continued collaboration between the NWRA and the media to raise public awareness about water resource management.
Earlier this year, rising water levels in Lake Malawi, caused by heavy rains in the Northern Region and Tanzania, affected numerous people and businesses along the lakeshore.
Several tourism facilities and houses were submerged, underscoring the urgent need for proper planning and construction practices in flood-prone areas
