By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, October 22, Mana: National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) has cautioned communities living along the lake in Nkhata Bay to refrain from constructing on the shores without proper consultations as projections indicate a prospect of rising of water levels on the lake and Shire River.

In an interview on Monday after an interface meeting with Area Development Committees (ADCs) in the district, NWRA Senior Civic Education Officer Masozi Kasambala said projections have been made that in the current hydrological period water levels will be higher than last year.

"By December 1, this year, the water levels will be 22 centimeters high compared to same period last year.

"This means that rainy season will be on at a time when water levels on lake Malawi are already high hence the need for people to be vigilant especially those with intentions to take developmental projects along the shores,” Kasambala said.

According to Kasambala there is need for infrastructure developers to seek permission from them and also make sure they have licenses to avoid water catastrophes.

“As regulator of water resources in Malawi, we thought it wise to equip the ADCs with knowledge of about our responsibilities so that we move forward together,” he added.

In his remarks, Nkhata Bay Community Development Officer, Jacob Moloko hinted that the rising of water levels during the previous hydrological period caused damages on the infrastructure, thereby disturbing tourism activities in the district.

“As a council, we appreciate the early warning given to communities on the rise of water levels as this will help us to pro-actively provide advice and intensify awareness to residents on the shores," he said.

ADC Chairperson for Malenganzoma, Loti Simion Mvula said the meeting was insightful and that they will share the knowledge gained with community members.