By Suleman Chitera

The Malawi Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to clean water and sanitation services by intensifying efforts to mobilise additional resources aimed at rehabilitating aging infrastructure and addressing persistent service delivery challenges across the country.

Speaking at the conclusion of an interface meeting with officials from WaterAid on the sidelines of the 2026 African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Malawi’s Minister of Finance, Joseph Mwanamvekha, acknowledged that the country’s water infrastructure has significantly deteriorated over the past five years due to obsolete equipment, inadequate maintenance, and growing pressure on existing systems.Malawi Freedom Network Crowns Joseph Mwanamvekha “Minister of the Year” for Exceptional Leadership

Mwanamvekha said the deteriorating state of water supply systems has contributed to major gaps in service delivery, affecting both urban and rural communities and exposing millions of Malawians to unsafe water conditions and sanitation-related health risks.

He stressed that the government now considers investment in water and sanitation infrastructure as a national development priority, noting that access to safe water is directly linked to improved public health outcomes, economic productivity, education, and social welfare.MEDF Must Break from the Past, Enforce Discipline — Mwanamvekha

“We recognise that safe water and sanitation are fundamental to public health and economic productivity,” Mwanamvekha said.

The Finance Minister explained that government is actively engaging development partners, financial institutions, and international organisations to secure funding for the rehabilitation of aging water systems, expansion of clean water access points, and construction of improved sanitation facilities in underserved areas.Mwanamvekha: The Driving Force Behind Malawi’s Economic Stabilisation

According to Mwanamvekha, Malawi’s urban water boards and rural water supply systems have struggled to meet growing demand amid years of underinvestment and climate-related pressures, resulting in intermittent water supply and inadequate sanitation services in several districts.

Meanwhile, Robert Kampala, Regional Director for Southern Africa at WaterAid, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Malawi and other African countries in strengthening water and sanitation systems.Mwanamvekha: The Strategic Mind Steering Malawi’s Economic Recovery Path

Kampala said many countries across Africa continue to face serious challenges in providing portable and clean water to citizens, making collaboration between governments, donors, and non-governmental organisations increasingly important.

He noted that strategic partnerships are essential in accelerating investment toward sustainable water infrastructure and improving sanitation services, especially in vulnerable communities affected by poverty, rapid population growth, and climate change.Chitera says Mutharika is leading Malawi from “Bagamoyo” to “Canaan”

Development experts say improved water and sanitation infrastructure is critical for Malawi’s long-term socio-economic transformation, particularly as the country continues to battle waterborne diseases, inadequate sanitation coverage, and increasing demand for reliable clean water supply.

The renewed commitment by government and development partners is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to modernise Malawi’s water systems and improve living conditions for millions of citizens who still lack adequate access to safe and reliable water services.

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