By Salome Gangire

Neno, June 3, Mana: Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) has assured residents at Neno that the water board’s long-standing water challenges will soon be a thing of the past, with plans underway to drill a new borehole at a higher elevation apart from constructing additional water tank to improve supply coverage.

SRWB Board Chairperson, Brown Mpinganjira, acknowledged on Tuesday during an interface with Neno residents that some parts of the district face persistent water supply issues, observing that this has been the case due to the current tank and borehole that are located at a lower point, making it difficult to supply water to higher-lying areas.

Mpinganjira toured Neno following complaints submitted by the Neno Water Task Force to SRWB in Zomba.

“About five days ago, we received a delegation from Neno led by the Task Force Chairperson. They brought complaints regarding inconsistent water supply and the limited coverage area especially in hilly locations. In response, we decided to come here immediately to assess the situation firsthand and find solutions,” he said.

As an interim measure, Mpinganjira said the board would improve the current system by adjusting supply schedules including suspending water provision in some nights to allow tanks to refill and ensure fair distribution.

He added that the board has since briefed President Lazarus Chakwera on the matter, and that the president has pledged to source finances from development partners to establish a water supply plant that will draw water from the Mkulumadzi River to serve the entire district.

“We can assure people in Neno that these problems will be resolved soon. They will have access to clean and adequate potable water,” he said.

Mpinganjira disclosed that preparations for the proposed project started, saying the president had asked the SRWB to move with speed in addressing the water issue such that the board had in turn instructed its technical team to begin drawings and do cost estimates so that it should report back with an implementation budget.

He cited similar projects initiated through presidential intervention in Zalewa and Makanjira.

 “When we told the president that Zalewa needed piped water, he provided funding, and works will commence next week as a contractor is already on site. The same happened in Makanjira in Mangochi, where a water project is almost complete,” Mpinganjira said, adding that the board was confident that in the next few months, it will embark on another high-tech project for Neno.

Neno Water Task Force Chairperson, Lemmie Banda, expressed gratitude over the SRWB’s quick response and tour of the district.

“It shows the board’s willingness to resolve the challenges, and we believe the issues   will be completely solved,” Banda added.

Director of Planning and Development for Neno District Council, Charles Lomoni, appealed to SRWB to consider expanding services to more areas as part of the system upgrade.

“We are also requesting you to extend services to places like Zalewa, which has remained without piped water since its establishment as a trading centre. Communities there rely on the Shire River, boreholes, and unprotected sources,” he added.