By Burnett Munthali
Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia, has announced the commencement of a multi-billion kwacha water project in the city of Blantyre.
Speaking in an interview with Zodiak Online on Wednesday, Mia disclosed that ground preparations for the massive initiative are already at an advanced stage.
“As we are speaking, the consultant is on the ground and soon tenders will be placed to identify a contractor. The whole Blantyre will be a construction site,” said Mia.
The minister added that the water and sanitation project is expected to bring major transformation to the city, especially in terms of service delivery.
She emphasized that once completed, the project will significantly improve sanitation and enhance the availability of clean water for residents of Blantyre.
Mia further noted that the project will also create employment opportunities for many locals, thereby contributing to socio-economic development.
Chief Executive Officer for Blantyre Water Board (BWB), Robert Hanjahanja, also weighed in on the development, describing it as a game-changer.
“It’s a World Bank funded project focusing on supply and sanitation improvement in Blantyre city under the Blantyre Water Board,” Hanjahanja emphasized.
The project comes at a time when Blantyre continues to face water supply challenges due to outdated infrastructure and rapid urban population growth.
Authorities have since expressed optimism that this initiative will help address long-standing issues and lay a foundation for sustainable urban water management.
