Balaka residents to receive tap water in Southern Region project

BALAKA, Malawi-Starting in May, the Southern Region Water Board will begin a project to provide tap water to thousands of residents at Ulongwe trading centre in Balaka District, which is expected to last until September, writes Ousman Kaliati.

According to Southern Region Water Board spokesperson, Rita Makwangwala, the government of Malawi is working to provide clean water to citizens in various areas of the country.

"We aim to reach out to different areas in the country with tap water to ensure that all citizens are taking clean water," Makwangwala said.

She also emphasized that the project will use solar energy as a backup to the inconsistent electricity supply.

Emmanuel Nkhonjera, the head of the water office in the district, commended the Southern Region Water Board for the development, saying it will improve people's livelihoods as they will have access to clean and healthy treated water.

He also advised users not to vandalize equipment like pipes, as the development is intended for their own good.

The project, which is being funded by the Indian government with $65.6 million, will last for a year.