By Burnett Munthali
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) experts have urged government to increase investment in major water infrastructure projects to address worsening shortages in the country’s urban areas and achieve universal water access by 2030.
The call comes amid reports of prolonged water shortages in several cities and towns, forcing some residents to depend on unprotected water sources that expose them to health risks.
In Mzuzu, for instance, several townships supplied by the Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) are reportedly experiencing interruptions lasting several days, with some communities going up to two weeks without reliable water.
Speaking to local media, WASH expert Willies Mwandira called on government, through the country’s Water Boards, to invest in major water supply projects across all regions.
He cited the Salima Water Project as an example of large-scale infrastructure interventions that can be replicated to improve water availability in urban communities.
Mwandira said sustainable investment is necessary to strengthen distribution systems and ensure consistent access to safe and reliable water.
The shortages have also raised public health concerns, as reliance on untreated water increases communities’ exposure to waterborne diseases.
The situation threatens Malawi’s progress towards Sustainable Development Goal Six (SDG 6), which seeks to ensure universal access to safe water and sanitation.
Achieving the 2030 target will require increased financial investment, expanded infrastructure and improved management of existing water supply systems.
