LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Over rising non-revenue water is said to be chocking quality service delivery among utility agencies in Malawi including Lilongwe Water Board (LWB).
The losses are negatively affecting revenue collection and the efficiency of water supply systems.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Thursday during the Fifth National Workshop on Non-Revenue Water, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development’s Principal Secretary, Henry Manford Njoloma, said the government is committed to addressing the challenge through increased investment, staff motivation and stronger collaboration with development partners.
Njoloma observed that non-revenue water that is produced but lost before it reaches customers due to leakages, illegal connections, faulty meters, and other inefficiencies remains a major challenge for water boards in Malawi.
He added that all water boards in the country are currently operating above the acceptable non-revenue water level of 25 percent, stressing that the situation requires urgent action to improve operational efficiency and strengthen revenue collection.
“The high levels of non-revenue water are affecting the financial sustainability of water utilities and limiting their ability to expand and improve water supply services,” said Njoloma.
Executive Director of the Water Services Association of Malawi (WASAMA), Vitumbiko Mkandawire observed that the current losses range between 26 and 46 percent across different water boards in the country.
Mkandawire said the losses not only reduce the amount of water available to consumers but also place financial pressure on water utilities that are already struggling to meet growing demand for safe and reliable water.
He said improving infrastructure, strengthening monitoring systems and investing in modern technologies are among the key measures needed to reduce water losses.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Malawi Chief Representative Tanaka Yukinari said the organisation is supporting Malawi through capacity development initiatives aimed at strengthening the water sector.
Yukinari adds, “JICA is working with local stakeholders to build technical capacity and improve management systems that can help reduce non-revenue water and enhance service delivery”.
The Fifth National Workshop on Non-Revenue Water has attracted government officials, water utilities, development partners and sector experts to share experiences and identify practical solutions to reduce water losses and improve water service delivery in Malawi.