“Will act decisevily on companies’ improper effluents disposal”-warns Natural Resources Minister Gangata

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Newly appointed Natural Resources Minister Gangata has sent a stir warnings to companies that are discharging untreated effluents into water sources saying the laws will take its course.

Gangata is reacting to recent Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative (CDEDI)’s exposure on how two companies including Potland Cement and Presscanne Limited are improperly discharging effluents into water sources in Balaka and Chikwawa respectively.

The Minister told The Maravi Post on Saturday morning, January 10, 2026 that he has received reports of some companies’ improper waste disposal that the Ministry will act decisively.

Gangata warned companies with improper waste disposal risks from being closed.

“I have just been in office for a few days to understand fully but what has attracted my attention are reports of companies discharging untreated wastes into water sources.

“Unfortunately, these wastes are putting risks to local communities who also depend on the same water sources. This has to put to stop,” warns Gangata.

The Minister therefore assured communities of government’s commitment to address the matter with urgency.

Malawi is currently grappling with the implementation of thin plastic ban that companies are still producing against the country’s laws.

Lloyd M’bwana

I’m a Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resource (LUANAR)’s Environmental Science graduate (Malawi) and UK’s ICM Journalism and Media studies scholar. Also University of Malawi (UNIMA) Library Science Scholar. I have been The Malawi Country Manager and duty editor for the Maravi Post since 2019. My duty editor’s job is to ensure that the news is covered properly, that it is delivered on time, and that it is created to the standards set out in the editorial guidelines of the Maravi Post.