Page 5 - WATER SECTOR MAGAZINE VOLUME 3

SOUTHERN REGION WATER BOARD HOSTS

2017 WORLD WATER DAY IN MANGOCHI

project, Salima water supply system and the
Likhubula-Blantyre water project.
Engineer Chikuni, however, outlined some
challenges in the sector like water scarcity;
watershed pollution, inadequate service
provision, and increased flooding that he said are
directly affecting the quality of life and economic
prospects. He cited the floods that hit Lilongwe
earlier in the year, as one of such challenges.

Prior to the World Water Day, WASAMA hosted
a two day National Water Conference and
Exhibitions. The conference offered a platform
for networking among the players in the sector
and included a boat ride on Lake Malawi and
a cocktail. A detailed conference report was
developed and shared with stakeholders. It was
however evident enough that as Malawi we need
to invest more in water demand management,
water reuse and recycling as well as water
harvesting. The participants observed that if we
President Mutharika unveiling the placard for the new Mangochi Water Works do not go this direction and looking at the rate
the water resources are dilapidating we should
By BEN CHAKHAME frequent low pressure during peak hours. brace for tough times ahead.
WASAMA This was very strange considering that the
town lies along the shores of Lake Malawi. The last time SRWB hosted the World water day
The Lake Shore district of Mangochi was a hub of and National water conference was in 2012 under
activities from Monday March 20 to Wednesday In his remarks the SRWB Chief Executive the theme “Water and Food Security” and was
March 22, 2017 when Southern Region Water Officer Engineer Robert Hanjahanja presided over by the Late State President Bingu
Board (SRWB) hosted this year’s World Water indicated that with the commissioning Wa Mutharika. During that event Malawi was
Day commemoration events. of the new Treatment Plant all these looking at how through proper management of
challenges will be history as the plant was water and irrigation services the nation can be
Apart from National Water Conference which constructed along with enough storage made food secure. During the commemoration,
was held at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge from tanks targeting to meet the population of among other activities delegates toured Bwanje
Monday to Tuesday, the day also offered an Mangochi up to the year 2025. Irrigation Scheme in Ntcheu.
opportunity for SRWB to officially commission
the Mangochi Water Supply Treatment Works. The Word Water Day reached the climax
The commissioning of the Water Works was at the Lake Shore conference center
presided over by His Excellency the State of Sunbird Nkopola Lodge where the
President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, State President led all Malawians in
who was the Guest of Honour at the main World commemorating the day. The event was
Water Day event. spiced up with entertainment that carried
this year’s messages and the performances
The United Nations declared the 22nd March included Masewe from Domasi, Beni
of every year to be World Water Day and dance from Katema and comedy by
stakeholders are encouraged to reflect on the Pysontha.
importance of freshwater to attaining sustainable
development. Malawi every year joins the rest of During the official address, the State
the World in commemorating the event under President emphasized the need to protect
a specific theme derived from the Global theme and nurture the water resources in this
but suitable for the country. time of Climate Change that is greatly
affecting the rainfall patterns. The State
This year Malawi celebrated the day under President said his administration is totally
the theme “Wastewater Reuse for Sustainable committed to safeguarding the Lake
Development” from the global theme Malawi while he encouraged the citizens
“Wastewater”. The event was this year held in to maintain the beauty of the Lake. The
Mangochi as it is celebrated on rotational basis President said it is sad to note that most
among the five jurisdictions of the local Water Malawians do not keep the cities clean
Boards which include SRWB, Blantyre Water thereby compromising water safety and
Board, Central Region Water Board, Lilongwe sanitation.
Water Board and Northern Region Water Board.
On his part the President of WASAMA
Mangochi is a fast growing town, which before Engineer Alfonso Chikuni applauded the
the construction of the treatment plant, has State President for the investments made An overhead reservoir tank for the new Mangochi Water
Works
been experiencing intermittent water supply and towards the sector such as the Mangochi
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