By Suleman Chitera
The Blantyre Water Board (BWB) has announced a major public health intervention, allowing residents to access water for free at community kiosks across Blantyre for the next three months in a bid to combat the spread of cholera.
The initiative, unveiled by BWB Chief Executive Officer Yeremiah Chihana, is part of a broader emergency response targeting vulnerable communities heavily reliant on communal water points.
“We are taking decisive steps to ensure that every household has access to safe and clean water during this critical period,” said Chihana, emphasizing that access to clean water is essential in preventing cholera outbreaks.
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According to BWB, the program will cover all 870 water kiosks under its management, effectively removing financial barriers for thousands of residents who depend on these facilities daily. In a further relief measure, the board has also waived all outstanding debts previously owed by kiosk operators, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.
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The K100 million initiative is being funded with support from the World Bank, highlighting growing international backing for Malawi’s fight against waterborne diseases.
In addition to free water access, BWB has distributed chlorine and other water treatment supplies to over 2 million households within the city, reinforcing efforts to promote safe water consumption at the household level.
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The program is also being implemented in collaboration with Feed the Future, further strengthening community-based interventions aimed at improving sanitation and hygiene.
Health experts have welcomed the move, noting that improved access to clean water is one of the most effective ways to curb cholera transmission, especially in densely populated urban areas.
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As Blantyre continues to face public health challenges, BWB’s intervention signals a proactive approach to safeguarding lives while easing the burden on struggling households.
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