By George Mponda

Karonga, September 7, Mana: Karonga Town Water Supply Project which is being implemented by the Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) is now at 99 percent completion and President Lazarus Chakwera is expected to inaugurate it next month.

The 32 Million USD project funded by the OPEC Fund, BADEA and the Malawi Government is expected to boost supply of potable water to an estimated population of 184,000 people in Karonga where water demand is currently outpacing supply.

Speaking Saturday when she visited the project, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Liana Kakhobwe said she was happy with the progress made so far.

"I am glad to announce that the project which started during tough times of Covid-19 is now almost finished and President Chakwera is expected to officially inaugurate it next month. The administration of President Lazarus Chakwera wants to ensure that all Malawians have access to potable water which is their right.

"We are promoting piped water supply even in rural areas as such this project once completed will serve 184, 000 people in Karonga which is a step in the right direction. People of Karonga will now have access to safe water and sustainable water supply which will ensure their good well-being," Kakhobwe said.

On her part, NRWB's Chairperson of the Operations and Projects Committee, Florence Nthakomwa said currently the board is disinfecting supply pipes before they start pumping water.

“We have laid 301 kilometres of pipelines, upgraded our treatment plant from pumping 12 million litres per day to 30 million litres per day including installing 45 communal water points and constructed three booster stations at Pusi, Mlare and Bwiba which will ensure that people even in rural areas have access to potable water,” said Nthakomwa.

According to Nthakomwa, the board which has also constructed a modern office at Karonga Town, is currently processing water connection applications for almost 10,000 clients who have so far applied for the service.

The project has extended water supply from Karonga Town to Nyungwe, Pusi and Mpata.