By Ernest Mfunya

Mangochi, July 11, Mana: Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) has disclosed that construction of the K7. 5 billion Makanjira Water Supply Project at Senior Chief Makanjira is expected to start early August this year, 2024.

SRWB Project Manager, Engineer Andrew Kacheyo said this during a full council meeting on Wednesday at Mangochi Town Council.

Speaking after the approval of the project by the council members, Kacheyo said that about 68, 000 people of Makanjira and surrounding areas are expected to receive clean and portable water once the project is completed.

“Currently, we have already identified a contractor but the project is at bidding process. We are waiting to finish receiving comments and suggestions from the general public so that the contractor can start the construction.

“This project is significant to the people of Makanjira and surrounding areas as it will result into reduction of water borne diseases such as cholera, as such, we are calling the council to work hand in hand with the board to ensure successful implementation of the project,” he added.

Engineer Kacheyo said that the project will be funded by the government of Malawi and it is expected to be complete within a period of 12 months.

In his remarks, Chairperson for Mangochi district council, Councilor Hassan Chikuta expressed gratitude following the approval of the project, saying this was in line with Mangochi Council’s District Development Plan and Malawi 2063 Agenda of provision of essential services to citizens.

"Water is life. It is because of this fact that people of Mangochi are giving full support to Southern Region Water Board and government so that the project should finish in good time. Our local leaders will be on the ground ensuring that there is no theft of materials or any other malpractice surrounding the project,” said Chikuta.

Member of Parliament for Makanjira North Constituency, Benedicto Chambo said that he has been lobbying for portable water at Makanjira for the ten years he has been in parliament such that drinking from unsafe water sources has been his concern over the years.

Chambo therefore described the project as timely saying once the project completes, people especially women and girls will enjoy drawing clean water within short distances.

The Makanjira Water Supply Project comes barely months after government through the SRWB completed similar project at Nkhunzi bay in the district.