WASH- Malawi

05/08/2025

Government Committed to Improving Access to Potable Water

Karonga, 2 August 2025
Minister of Water and Sanitation, Hon. Abida Sidik Mia, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of Malawians through improved access to safe and potable water.

Speaking during an inspection of the Karonga Town Water Supply Project, Minister Mia highlighted that the initiative is a testament to President Lazarus Chakwera’s dedication to delivering essential services that uplift lives.

“The Karonga Town Water Supply Project is expected to benefit approximately 184,000 people by 2040. It is designed to rehabilitate, upgrade, and expand the existing water supply system to meet the growing population and demand in Karonga,” said the Minister.
Funded by the Malawi Government, in partnership with the OPEC Fund and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the project is valued at USD 32.7 million.

The Minister further commended the ongoing progress and its immediate impact on communities.

“This is a clear sign of the government’s resolve to improve the wellbeing of citizens. We are proud of the strides being made and the positive changes already visible in people’s lives.”
Chairperson of the Board for the Northern Region Water Board (NRWB), Inkosi ya Makosi Gomani V, applauded the government for the successful implementation of the project.
“So far, 25 water kiosks have been constructed and are operational, and 1,200 household connections have been completed. The project aims to reach up to 15,000 household connections, with installations currently underway,” said Gomani.

In his remarks, Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa urged local communities to take ownership of the infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the facilities for sustainability.

“This is our water, our resource. We must protect it to ensure it serves us and future generations,” said the Paramount Chief.

Northern Region Water Board

22/07/2025

Hon. Abida Sidik Mia Opens 95th AfWASA STC Conference with Call for Bold Action on Water and Climate Resilience

On 21 July 2025, the Honourable Minister of Water and Sanitation, Hon. Abida Sidik Mia, officially opened the 95th Strategic and Technological Council (STC) Conference of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. Themed “Green Economy and Climate Resilience in Africa,” this major continental event brings together utility leaders, engineers, researchers, policymakers, and development partners from across Africa and beyond.

In her keynote address, the Minister welcomed all delegates on behalf of His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, and the people of Malawi. She emphasized Africa’s growing vulnerability to climate change and highlighted how it is disrupting water systems, particularly in Malawi, which has experienced extreme weather events and damaged infrastructure in recent years.

Hon. Mia called for a new era of sustainable investment and inclusive planning in the water and sanitation sector. She stressed that building a green economy is not just an environmental issue but an economic and social imperative. The Minister urged participants to consider innovative financing mechanisms, such as climate adaptation funds, green bonds, and public-private partnerships, and emphasized the critical role of women and youth in shaping Africa’s water future.
She also reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to climate-smart water infrastructure, renewable energy for rural supply schemes, and catchment protection, in line with the Malawi 2063 Vision and the National Resilience Strategy.

The Minister concluded by calling on African countries to take ownership of their water agenda and to use platforms like AfWASA to forge stronger regional collaboration and practical solutions.

19/07/2025

Minister of Health Urges Area 45 Residents to Safeguard Newly Provided Clean Water

Lilongwe, 16 July 2025 – The Honourable Minister of Health, Khumbidze Kandodo Chiponda speaking on behalf of the Minister of Water and Sanitation Honourable Abida Sidik Mia, has called on residents of Area 45 in Lilongwe to take proper care of the clean and portable water recently provided by the Lilongwe Water Board (LWB).

On July 16, Honourable Chiponda emphasized that access to clean water is a basic human right and a vital resource in the fight against waterborne diseases such as cholera.

"Clean water is essential for good health, and this community deserves nothing less. We urge everyone to protect this precious resource and use it responsibly," she said.

Area 45 was one of the areas which was recently affected by a cholera outbreak. The gesture underscores the urgent need for improved water access and sanitation.

Also present at the event was Honourable Jean Sendeza, Minister of Gender and Member of Parliament for the area, who expressed her gratitude to the Lilongwe Water Board for their swift response and commitment to the wellbeing of the community.

"We are thankful for this timely intervention. Our people now have access to safe water, which will go a long way in preventing future outbreaks and improving overall public health," Honourable Sendeza said.

The Ministry through Water Boards LWB inclusive continues to strengthen efforts to improve water infrastructure and delivery across the country.

Clean Water for All – Together We Can Make It Happen.

08/07/2025

Taking water Developments forward

21/06/2025

27/05/2025

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Honourable Abida Sidik Mia, is attending the 3rd African Implementation and Partnership Conference (PANAFCON 3) being held in Lusaka, Zambia, from 27–29 May 2025.

The conference, being held under the theme "Assuring Inclusive and Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sanitation for the Africa We Want," brings together leaders from across the continent to accelerate progress on water and sanitation.

The Minister highlighted Malawi’s commitment to ensuring every citizen has access to clean water, in line with President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s vision and the Africa Water Vision 2025.

23/05/2025

As one way of taking developments forward in our Ministry. The Honourable Minister Abida Sidik Mia and Deputy Minister Honourable Liana Kakhobwe Chapota visited BWB to monitor some of the projects being done.

20/05/2025

𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓

Dear Friends,
Today, I had the honour of meeting Ms. Anna Wellenstein, Regional Director at the World Bank, during a luncheon at Protea Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre. She is in Malawi to check progress on the Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP). We had very productive discussions on how the project is helping to restore our degraded land, protect water sources, and improve the lives of people in rural areas.

I also shared with her how Malawi is making progress on key water projects such as multipurpose dams and irrigation schemes, and highlighted the Champhira and Msaka Water Supply Schemes, which were launched by His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, and are examples of successful World Bank support.

I explained that MWASIP is also helping Blantyre city by improving access to clean water and strengthening Blantyre Water Board. The project is supporting policy reforms too, like updating water laws and preparing plans for future WASH investments. I asked the World Bank to consider supporting the next phase of the project and to allow reallocation of resources to speed up important work. With continued support, I am confident we can do even more to bring clean water to all, especially in rural communities where most Malawians live.

Abida Sidik Mia, MP.
Minister of Water & Sanitation.

#𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐀𝐥𝐥 #𝐌𝐖𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐏 #𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 #𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐌𝐰 #𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐢𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬

08/05/2025

As we target Water for All, Jenda is one of our next Mission.

Northern Region Water Board

𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐂 𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐉𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐀 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐘 & 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓

Dear Friends,

Yesterday, I had the honour of meeting a delegation from the OPEC Fund, who were accompanied by the CEO of the Northern Region Water Board. Their visit is part of an important appraisal mission for the Jenda Water Supply and Sanitation Project, an ambitious US$31.55 million investment funded by the OPEC Fund. The goal is simple yet powerful: to bring safe and clean water to over 41,000 people. This project is a firm step forward in fulfilling His Excellency President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera’s vision of ensuring that every Malawian has access to potable water, which is in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 6.

What makes this project special is not only the water infrastructure, similar to the new intake dam on Katete River, the treatment plant, reservoirs, and over 100km of water pipelines, but also its wide environmental and social impact. It includes climate-smart land management, new school toilets and landfills, livelihood support for local families, as well as a local PVC pipe factory. This will entail cleaner water, healthier school environments, more jobs, stronger communities and a brighter economic future for the North. I extended our sincere thanks to Mr. Bah Aly Bah, Ms. Ines Fejzic, and Mr. Juan Felipe Murcia from the OPEC Fund for their decade-long partnership, which has already brought water solutions to Mzimba, Nkhata Bay, and Karonga. As a government, we remain fully committed to transparency, sustainability, and community ownership throughout this vital project.

𝐇𝐨𝐧.𝐀𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐤 𝐌𝐢𝐚, 𝐌𝐏
𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

05/05/2025

The progress Is there.

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29/04/2025

Finally it has been done

29/04/2025

Minister Abida Sidik Mia Highlights Major Progress in Malawi’s Water and Sanitation Sector

At the ongoing 2025 Joint Sector Review Meeting held in Lilongwe, which has started today and ends tomorrow, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Hon. Abida Sidik Mia, has delivered a compelling update on the strides Malawi is making in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Sector.
With a tone of optimism and commitment, the Minister has detailed achievements made under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi.
Minister Mia emphasized the fundamental importance of sanitation, linking it to personal dignity and human rights.
"Better sanitation provides for better personal dignity. This is a basic human right that must be afforded to all our people," she stated.
A key highlight was the construction of the Kholongo Multi-Purpose Dam in Mponela, Dowa, under the Central Region Water Board. Officially launched by the President, this dam is expected to end water shortages in Mponela Town and parts of Kasungu, while also spurring agricultural and fisheries development in the area.
In addition, the Ministry has successfully rehabilitated various water supply schemes across the country.
These water supply schemes include in Champhira South, Msaka in Mzimba, Mpira-Balaka in Balaka/Ntcheu, and Sankhulani in Thyolo.
The government is also scaling up rural water supply initiatives in nearly all constituencies, reflecting a nationwide push to bring safe water access to remote communities.
Turning to urban sanitation, Minister Mia proudly announced that over 200,000 households in Lilongwe City are now connected to functional sewer lines an essential service that had been neglected for years. “Our sector is making significant progress. For a long time in our cities, sewerage services were not functional,” she said.