By Rahim Abdul
Employees at Blantyre Water Board (BWB) have gathered at the organisation’s headquarters in Blantyre, demanding the removal of Managing Director Yeremiah Chihana and Board Chairperson Stanley Chirwa.
The workers have also blocked the main entrance to the BWB offices, with a notice warning Chirwa and Chihana against entering the premises.
The demonstration has taken a different form, with the employees listening to religious songs and engaging in prayers as they push for action on their grievances.
At one point, one of the workers addressed colleagues through preaching as the gathering continued at the water board’s headquarters.
BWB employees’ union Vice President Aphia Liwonde has clarified that the workers are not on strike but are holding prayers over concerns they want management and authorities to address.
Liwonde said the action is aimed at drawing attention to the workers’ grievances while avoiding disruption to essential water supply services.
She added that some employees have remained on duty to carry out critical operations and ensure that water supply to residents is not affected.
The development has raised concerns about the leadership of the water utility, with the workers calling for changes at the highest level of the institution.
Meanwhile, some officials from the BWB workers’ union have travelled to Lilongwe to deliver a letter addressed to President Peter Mutharika.
The union representatives are expected to use the letter to formally present the workers’ concerns and seek presidential intervention.
The workers’ action comes amid growing pressure for authorities to address the issues they have raised concerning the running of the water board.
For now, the situation remains calm as the employees continue with prayers and other activities at the BWB headquarters.
The workers have maintained that their action is not intended to halt water services, with essential personnel continuing to perform their duties.
Further developments are expected after the workers’ representatives submit their letter to the President and outline their demands.
