By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
President Lazarus Chakwera on Monday 25th March 2024 launched Kholongo multipurpose dam in Dowa, which is a flagship water project aimed at supplying clean water to residents of Kasese, Madisi, Mponela, Mtiti, and other surrounding areas in Dowa district as well as proving opportunity for irrigation farming, fish farming, and tourism through a creation center that will be constructed.
Speaking during the official launching of the project which is being funded by Malawi Government, President Chakwera said many developments and business successes depend largely on the availability of water such that fair distribution of it promotes peace among citizenry.
“The launch of this project marks the beginning of a new era to the residents of Kasese, Madisi, Mponela, Mtiti, and the surrounding areas, as this aligns with the government policy of prospering together that starts with good health.
The project is very essential in providing clean water to the residents and promoting irrigation farming to this area” said the President.
Writing on his Facebook page, Malawi leader told the nation that the dam is one of the flagship projects and the only one under the Water Sector, to be executed under the decade-long Malawi vision 2063 implementation Plan 1.
Addressing thousands of MCP supporters who gathered at Madisi Trading Center, Chakwera assured them that he is comfident that the Kholongo multipurpose dam will address the water challenges and that government will make sure all Malawians are served well.
The launch of the construction work coincided with this year’s World Water Day which was commemorated on Friday 22nd March 2024 under the theme “Leveraging Water for Peace”
Speaking earlier during the launch of the project, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia said the project represents a significant step towards enhancing access to clean water for all communities surrounding the dam, ensuring reliable supply of water for residents, while supporting over 500 hectares for irrigation farming and fishery scheme.
In his remarks, Parliamentarian for Dowa Ngala constituency, Arthur Sungitsa commended President Chakwera for initiating and commencing the construction work of the dam which he said will change the face of Dowa with a number of developments including fish farming, irrigation farming, tourism, and clean water.
Sungitsa also thanked President Chakwera for distribution of maize flour to hunger affected families in the district.
Kholongo multipurpose dam construction work started in March 2023 and will be completed by February 2026.
