By Suleman Chitera
Blantyre Water Board (BWB) has fined Portland Cement Company MK188,829,200 after uncovering three illegal water connections at the company’s premises in Makata, Blantyre.
The unauthorized connections were discovered during a routine inspection and monitoring exercise conducted by the Board’s technical teams as part of ongoing efforts to reduce non-revenue water and improve efficiency in water supply management.
According to BWB, investigations revealed that the company had bypassed official procedures and was drawing large quantities of treated water directly from the Board’s distribution network through unauthorized connections without paying for the service.Mwanamvekha Opens New Portland Cement Factory in Balaka
The Board said the illegal activities resulted in significant losses and undermined efforts to provide reliable water services to legitimate customers.
Following the discovery, BWB immediately disconnected water supply to the company and initiated processes to recover the losses incurred through the unlawful use of treated water.
BWB Chief Executive Officer Yeremia Chihana condemned the malpractice, describing water theft as a serious offense that deprives the utility of resources needed to maintain and expand water services.NBM plc, Portland Cement team up to cut cement imports
He warned that the Board will intensify inspections and enforcement operations targeting individuals, institutions, and companies involved in illegal water connections.
“The Board will not tolerate any form of water theft. We remain committed to protecting public resources and ensuring that all customers access water through legal and regulated channels,” said Chihana.
The latest development comes as BWB continues to strengthen measures aimed at curbing non-revenue water, which includes losses arising from illegal connections, leakages, and other unauthorized consumption.Fuel Prices Surge to K7,000 per Litre in Malawi: Rising Costs Deepen Poverty Fears and Test Public Confidence
The Board has since urged consumers to comply with water supply regulations and report any suspected illegal connections to help safeguard the integrity of the water distribution system.