By Burnett Munthali
The Blantyre Water Board (BWB) has suspended its Chief Executive Officer, Yeremiah Chihana, with immediate effect, pending a disciplinary hearing on abuse of office charges.
The suspension, announced in a letter dated April 27, 2026, and signed by Board Chairperson Stanley Chirwa, cites several allegations of misconduct, including offering free water and granular chlorine without board approval.
Chihana is accused of abusing his position by providing free water and granular chlorine through kiosks in cholera-affected areas without the necessary approval.
This move has raised concerns about the potential misuse of resources and the impact on the institution’s operations.
The BWB Board also alleges that Chihana announced plans to write off arrears owed by kiosk operators in cholera-affected areas without consulting management or the Board.
This decision, if true, could result in significant financial losses for the institution.
Further allegations include allowing an unauthorized person to drive an official vehicle and granting access to BWB offices, documents, and meetings without proper clearance.
These actions, if proven, would be a clear breach of company policy and trust.
Chihana is also accused of orchestrating the arrest of BWB acting directors without the Board’s knowledge or approval, a move that has sparked concerns about his conduct and potential abuse of power.
Last week, Chihana was fired by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation without notice after refusing to facilitate a dubious contract.
However, the decision was later rescinded after President Peter Mutharika intervened.
