Tag Archives: Lilongwe Water Board (LWB)

Business

Over rising non-revenue water choking Malawi utilities’ quality service delivery

MaraviPost

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.

Health

Lilongwe’s Area 38 residents unhappy with over month-long water shortages

Maravi Post Reporter

By Zakeyu Mamba

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Residents of Area 38 in Lilongwe, particularly those living in Katondo and Msambachikho, are expressing growing frustration over a water shortage that has lasted for more than a month.

The shortage has severely affected their daily routines and is creating serious hygiene and sanitation challenges in their homes.

Many households say they are struggling to carry out basic activities such as bathing, washing dishes, and cleaning, as water has not been available for weeks.

Ellen Banda, one of the residents affected, said: “We have gone for an entire month without seeing even a drop of water.

“It has become extremely difficult to maintain hygiene and carry out simple household chores. We are really struggling and feeling the impact on our health and wellbeing.”

Another resident, Smart Mbewe, expressed disbelief that the Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) continues to send high water bills despite the prolonged water outage.

“We do not understand why we are being charged such high amounts when no water is coming through our taps. It is very frustrating,” he said.

When approached for comment, LWB spokesperson Kondwani Kintu explained that the organization is still investigating the cause of the disruption and needs time to provide a detailed and accurate response.

He assured that the board is aware of the residents’ concerns and is working to find a solution.

Meanwhile, residents continue to urge both the government and the Lilongwe Water Board to take immediate action to restore water supply to the affected areas.

They emphasize that timely intervention is critical to prevent further health risks and to ensure that normal life can resume.

The community remains hopeful that the issue will be resolved soon, as prolonged water shortages are not only inconvenient but can also have long-term impacts on hygiene, health, and daily living.

Business

Lilongwe Water Board into major infrastructure expansion to meet customers’ water demands

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-One of the country’s utility agencies, Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) has intensified major infrastructure expansion projects to meet customers’ water demands.

The agency is into construction of three major treatment water plants in a bid to meet 72 percent increase for water demand in the city.

LWB Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sili Mbewe told the media tour on Thursday, October 22, 2025 that the construction of the new water treatment plant is expected to be completed by March next year.

Mbewe disclosed that the agency’s customer base has grown from 81,734 in 2020 to 140,588 in 2024 hence the need for expansion.

He also added that LWB has increased Kamuzu Dam’s storage capacity from 5 million to 25 million

“Once finished, it will enable the city to have adequate and clean water that matches its population growth, thereby reducing water shortages,” says Mbewe.

He therefore assured Lilongwe residents that the ongoing interruptions in water supply will soon be a thing of the past.

Mbewe observes, “One of the major causes of the recent interruptions has been power outages, which affect the operation of water pumping systems.

“We have now started installing solar-powered systems at our treatment plants to address this challenge”.

About US$25 million is used for the expansion infrastructure projects.

Environment, Malawi, Regional

Abida Mia pushes for Africa’s transition to green, climate-resilient water future

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Water and Sanitation Minister Abida Sidik Mia is appealing for Africa’s transition to a green and climate-resilient water future.

Mia made an appeal on Monday, July 21, 2025 when she officially opened the 95th Strategic and Technological Council (STC) conference of the Africa Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) in the capital Lilongwe.

The Minister says “This year’s theme, “Green Economy and Climate Resilience in Africa,” is a timely reminder of the circumstances we face as a people, with unprecedented environmental, economic, and social challenges across the continent.

“These challenges, if addressed with effectiveness and unwavering conviction, will present us with a unique opportunity to chart a new path that is resilient, sustainable and inclusive, a greener future so to speak”.

She added, “Sustainable Development Goal 6 calls for universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030, yet Africa remains an isolated case where progress is behind schedule and in some cases, reversing. Climate shocks, such as cyclones and prolonged droughts, have increasingly disrupted water infrastructure, demanding urgent and costly repairs.

“Unfortunately, the private sector continues to view WASH as a low-priority investment. However, the potential for transformation rooted in the WASH Sector is immense”.

The Minister urges, “We therefore must explore and appeal for new and blended financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships, green bonds, climate adaptation funds and performance-based financing for utilities. We must be bold.

“Let us push for utility-led access to global climate finance and build bankable projects that attract investment while delivering real and positive results.We cannot build resilience if we leave people behind”.

Mia adds, “Let it be an environment for action. Let it be remembered not for the speeches delivered, but for the solutions reached, the partnerships forged, and the changes that followed. Let this conference be the moment we advanced Africa’s transition to a green and climate-resilient water future.

“We cannot have a green economy if it does not serve those most affected by water insecurity, our women, our children and our youth. Across Africa, it is women and girls in most cases who walk long distances daily to fetch water. As nurturers of the family unit and social networks by extension, it is women who bear the burden and consequences of unsafe water, poor sanitation, and exposure to climate shocks.

She observes further, “The youth, who make up more than 60% of Africa’s population, must not be seen merely as beneficiaries but as partners, innovators, and leaders of change. As we deliberate during this conference, let us consider building gender-responsive water and sanitation infrastructure. Let us ensure inclusive planning and budgeting.

“Let us facilitate greater female involvement in utilities for greater perspective. Let us invest in youth innovation and entrepreneurship in the water sector”.

Mia says, “The path to climate resilience in Africa must be led by Africa. We must not wait for others to define our agenda. We must shape it ourselves, through regional platforms, shared data, joint investments, and collective ambition. Water does not know borders. Rivers flow cross nations.

“Aquifers lie across multiple regions. It must follow that the solutions to our water challenges lie within us, collectively”.

Mia appeals, “AfWASA must continue to be a platform that unites our nations. Let us strengthen partnerships, not only with donors, but also among African utilities, regulators, research institutions, and private sector players. Let me empathise that this conference should not just be about dialogue, but also about commitment”.

The regional conference which Lilongwe Water Board (LWB is hosting at Bingu International Convention Centre runs from Monday, July 21 to 24, 2025.

This year’s event will mark the second time Malawi is hosting host since 2016.

Business, Regional

Lilongwe Water Board appeals for innovation exhibitions ahead of regional’s 95th AfWASA conference

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s utility agency Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) is appealing for submission of innovation and technological Water solutions ahead of 95th Strategic and Technological Council (STC) Meeting of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA).

The regional conference which LWB hosts is scheduled to take place in the capital Lilongwe at Bingu International Convention Centre from Monday, July 21 to 24, 2025.

This year’s event will mark the second time Malawi is hosting host since 2016.

Under the theme, “Green Economy and Climate Resilience in Africa”, the conference theme speaks to the current realities the continent is facing where the effects of climate change are no longer abstract but a living reality.

Addressing the news conference on Thursday, LWB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Siwili Mbewe said the conference will give an opportunity to the country’s water sector stakeholders to take stalk on what are doing towards SDGs 6.

Mbewe adds that Malawi stands a chance benefiting from the conference’s resolutions that improve quality of water services.

“For the Board, hosting this meeting is both an honour and a reaffirmation of our pursuit for excellence in the region.That inaugural hosting elevated the Board’s visibility within the region and beyond, positioning us as a utility that is not only delivering services but also actively shaping the discourse on sustainable water management in Africa.

“This aligns well with our broader strategic agenda to strengthen the Board’s influence, not just in infrastructure development, but in knowledge leadership, innovation, and sector transformation. It is within this context that we welcome,” says Mbewe.

He adds, “From prolonged droughts to frequent flooding, the resilience of our water systems is under pressure, and there is urgent need to accelerate our shift toward sustainable, adaptive, and environmentally sound solutions as such Malawi has made notable strides in aligning itself with this agenda with robust national response to climate threats and water insecurity.

“Through policy frameworks such as the National Resilience Strategy and the Malawi 2063, Malawi has made climate resilience and sustainable development key national priorities. Both of these frameworks are strongly aligned with the theme of this STC. They call for inclusive growth, green innovations, integrated resource management, and long-term resilience planning”.

Mbewe observes further, “This STC, therefore, provides a timely platform for Malawi to not only showcase its progress but also to learn, to develop partnerships, and to attract investment. As we reflect on the concept of a green economy, we must acknowledge that it involves more than just environmental sustainability.

“It is about improving lives, creating jobs, promoting equity, and strengthening the institutions that protect our natural resources. Hosting this STC offers Malawi tangible benefits”.

He appeals, “First, it allows us to share our innovations, secondly, it creates opportunities for our engineers, students, and utility professionals to interact with continental experts, enriching our local capacities. Third, it stimulates business across multiple sectors. Collaboration with other stakeholders, Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Trade and Industry”.

Echoing the same, The Director of Water Supply Services in the Ministry of Water and Sanitation Prince Mleta said government will support the conference that bear intended purposes.

In his remarks, Executive Director of the Water Services Association of Malawi (WASAMA) Vitumbiko Mkandawire appeals to the sector’s stakeholders to embrace the conference in a bid to tap technological solutions towards improving water supply and services.

The conference attracts more than 200 delegates from over 20 African countries, representing water and sanitation utilities, government ministries, academic and research institutions, private companies, NGOs, and financing partners.

The conference which Water and Sanitation Minister Abida Mia will grace, features a series of technical workshops, panel discussions, Presentation of cutting-edge scientific and operational papers, Keynote addresses from renowned experts and thought leaders and most excitingly, a technology and innovation exhibition that will showcase some of the most promising water and sanitation solutions from across Africa and beyond.

The conference has therefore sent an open invitation to local and regional firms, technology providers, service companies, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs to register and showcase their solutions.

Exhibition will offer international exposure, networking opportunities, and potential partnerships for business growth.

Development

Lilongwe Water Board excites Likuni constituents with clean water services

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-There is a sigh of relief for newly demarcated Lilongwe Likuni Constituency in accessing clean water services to over 5,000 residents.

This follows eight newly constructed water kiosks by Lilongwe Water Board (LWB).

With funds about MK20 million, the project aimed at improving access to clean and safe drinking water.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda emphasised the importance of the kiosks in preventing waterborne diseases.

Chiponda said that hygiene is crucial in the prevention of many diseases like cholera and mpox.

“You remember that in 2022 we had a huge cholera outbreak, and this area was one of the heavily affected in Lilongwe,” she said.

Echoing the same, Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, who is also the Minister of Gender, Jean Sendeza, expressed her gratitude for the initiative and called on residents to safeguard the new infrastructure.

Sendeza therefore lauded LWB for prioritising access to clean water to rural communities including her constituency.

Therefore, LWB board chairperson Inkosi ya Makosi Mbelwa V, assured residents that the new kiosks would alleviate water shortages and improve their quality of life.

“The board has spent about MK20 million in the project, and this is under their corporate social responsibility.

“We want our semi-urban communities to have access to clean water services”, assures Mbelwa.

Business

Customers laud Lilongwe Water Board for improved quality services

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) has been praised for improved quality services.

During the symposium which the utility agency organised on Friday, June 27, 2025 in the capital, brought together partners, customers and stakeholders.

One of the customers from Area 49, Zitha Somanje, commended the LWB for improved water services delivery.

Somanje however appealed the utility agency to improve on prepaid billing services.

“This symposium has helped us engage more with the board.

“I’m in impressed with quality services LWB is providing over the past three years. We just want the agency to improve on prepaid billing as sometimes we don’t get token in time and also fail to get water in time once credit ends,” says Somanje.

LWB Board chairperson Inkosi ya Makosi Mbelwa expressed optimism that the customer symposium will helped the organisation to enhance customer relation and improve service delivery.

Chief Mbelwa observed that the gathering helped also the utility agency to gather feedback from partners and customers to identify areas for improvement that will inform its new strategic plan for 2025 to 2030.

Mbelwa therefore emphasized that the board’s primary goal is to ensure a secure water supply for Lilongwe city and increase access to reliable and quality water sanitation services for residents.

He however bemoaned that cases of deforestation remains a significant challenge, but assured that the board is working to address this issue.

In his remarks, the Director of Water Supply Services in the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, Prince Mleta, highlighted the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that customers receive adequate water supply.

“The ministry takes the issues of water seriously to ensure that our customers have access to enough water in their residences,” he said.

During the symposium the board also launched a new phone app for paying water bills.

The App is expected to make it easier for customers on bill payments which will significantly reduce the hassle and inconvenience associated with traditional payment methods.

Education

Lilongwe Water Board awards Luanar’s outstanding, supports needy students

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-In its quest to meet Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Lilongwe Water Board on Thursday, April 3, 2024 awarded University of Natural Resources (LUANAR)’s eight top performing and supported four needy students.

The water body utility support worthy MK14 million is meant to cater students’ tuition fees and book allowances.

Each student received MK995, 000 tuition fees and MK200,000 book allowance for 2024/2025 academic year.

Speaking after presenting cheques to the students at LUANAR’ Bunda campus in Lilongwe, LWB board chairperson Inkosi ya Makosi M’mbelwa V said the support is towards honouring Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LUANAR.

M’mbelwa added that through the MoU the university assists the board with solutions relating to the Lilongwe River catchment area while the board assist the with finances.

“As a board, we want to encourage the students so that they should become researchers who will continue to find solutions for the board on various issues,” said M’mbelwa.

LUANAR Council chairperson Professor Zachary Kasomekera said the the support rendered will motivate students to work hard in their studies.

One of the award recipients, Peter Chione, a fourth-year student, expressed gratitude for the timely support.

Chiona therefore pledged to utilize their education to drive agricultural transformation in Malawi.

Since 2021, Lilongwe Water Board has supported 65 Luanar students through the initiative.

Business, Malawi

Lilongwe Water Board losing MK7.5bn annually through illegal connections

Lloyd M’bwana

….Lilongwe Water Board signs MoU with Malawi Police to deal with vandalism…

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) is losing MK7.5 billion annual illegal connections representing 10 percent of non-revenue water losses.

The development has therefore compelled the board to join forces with the Malawi Police Services (MPS) for intensified security and enforcement of laws on culprits.

The two parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will among others see police officers stationed at the LWB promises for speedy handling of cases.

Speaking on Friday, March 7, 2025 after signing of MoU at Malawi Police headquarters in the capital Lilongwe LWB Chief Executive Officer Sili Mbewe observed that non-revenue water losses remain a challenge the board is grappling with in the provision of water and sanitation services.

Mbewe said the MOU will help to deal with non revenue water.

“So with this signing of MOU will help to reduce vandalism and other criminal activities,” he said.

In her remarks, MPS Commissioner responsible for Human Resource Violet Magwaya assured of implementation of the pact to deal with vandalism.

She said there is need for all stakeholders to join hands and fight the crime in the country.”

“As a security agency, will continue to protect lives and properties of all Malawians including Lilongwe Water Board property so that you are able to give us quality water services,”she assured.

The Commissioner said its sad to see that thugs have been busy vandalising Water Board property

“As Malawi Police will ensure that all found breaking the laws and vandalising the board properties will be arrested,”

She said will deploy disciplined police officers so that they are able to work professionally without interference.

Magwaya therefore appealed to the board to ensure that their welfare will be looked into since they will have to change their work place.

Of late there has been widespread vandalism which has seen thugs stealing water board metres and pipes.

According to LWB MOU has already started bearing fruits because 13 cases have already been investigated and seven have been tried in court where suspects have been convicted.

Business, Malawi

LWB losing MK2.2bn monthly through Non-Revenue Water

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) is said to be losing MK2.2 billion through the Non-Revenue Water (NRW) challenge with a 36.4% rate as of September 2024.

This is a slight improvement from 40% in 2019 before the board and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) ventured into the Project for Strengthening Capacity of Non-Revenue Water Reduction for Lilongwe Water Board (LiSCap).

The project which is coming to an end in December 2024, aimed at enhancing capacity for NRW reduction management for LWB and ultimately reducing NRW while improving the efficiency of water-use in the city

Addressing journalists during the sidelines of joint knowledge sharing of the project, the LWB board member Innocent Mphote said that the initiative has reduced water loses.

Mphote therefore is optimistic to bring down the loss further to around 25 percent.

Mphote cited leakage due to old pipes and vandalism as some of the factors behind non revenue water loss.

“You may wish to know that before the implementation of this project, we are losing about 40% of the water that we have produced at long water boat. But with this project, we have managed to reduce downwards to around 36% now, and in terms of monetary value, it means we are losing about MK2.2 billion monthlydue to this non revenue water.

“The main cause of this non revenue water is leakage due to hot pipes. As you might know, most of the pipes installed were installed a long time ago, and there’s a need to replace all of them. Unfortunately, it is very expensive to replace all the pipes. But apart from the leakage due to all the age of the pipes, there’s also the challenge of vandalism. People are putting in, maybe bypassing meters, and therefore that water goes without, charging for that”.

He therefore lauded the project, “The initiative has managed to capacitate our workers on how we can reduce the revenue water, but also we have also increased awareness to customers about the danger of vandalizing properties of Lilongwe water board, and also we have also engaged in my police service to help us in prosecuting all those who are involved in vandalism.

“Our target is around 25% which is normally the acceptable standards worldwide. And therefore, this project has helped us but will not stop there. We are also planning to come up with another project that will assist us also to reduce risk and revenue, water”.

In his remarks, JICA Chief representative Kazuhiro Tambara said the project has made improvement, including the techniques for the non leveling water reduction.

Echoeing the same, Deputy Director for water supply services in the Ministry of Water and Sanitation Fedelia Ng’oma lauded JICA for skills development in workers.

She said, “The skills that have been promoted will be utilized, considering that losing water that has been processed entails to loss of finances, because that one that water would have been built to someone which he in the end, the water utilities will not get anything.

“So these skills, although they are going to the longer water board, as a ministry, we have been part and parcel of the process. It’s the skills will be transferred also to other utilities that are also providing water, water supply services within the country”.