DEPUTY MINISTER URGES SPEEDY COMPLETION OF CHINTHECHE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Hon. Liana Kakhobwe Chapota Munthali, has called for the swift completion of the Chintheche Water Supply Project, highlighting the urgent need for safe and reliable water services in Chintheche and surrounding areas.
The Minister made the remarks during a site visit to the project, where she commended the Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) for its commitment to improving water services in the region. However, she urged the Board to expedite the project’s implementation to ensure that communities gain timely access to clean water, a fundamental human right.
“Water is life, and it is the government’s priority to ensure that every Malawian has access to safe and clean water. I commend the NRWB for their efforts so far, but I urge you to fast-track this project so that people in Chintheche and nearby areas can start enjoying their full right to water,” she said.
Francis Munthali, Chief Executive Officer of NRWB, assured the Deputy Minister of the Board’s dedication to completing the project despite challenges encountered during implementation.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure this project is delivered on time. While we have faced hurdles, we remain committed to bringing sustainable and reliable water services to Chintheche and the surrounding communities,” Munthali stated.
The Chintheche Water Supply Project, funded through savings from the Malawi NRWB Water Efficiency Project implemented in Mzuzu and Ekwendeni, aims to rehabilitate and expand the existing water supply system. The scope of work includes upgrading the water treatment plant, constructing a new storage tank at Malaza, and extending the distribution network to Kande.
The project is expected to significantly improve water supply for residents and address long-standing water challenges in the region. Kande, in particular, has been a cholera hotspot, with severe outbreaks recorded in 2022 and 2023.
“Safe drinking water is central to life. We believe this project will act as a catalyst for improved sanitation and hygiene in the area, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera,” said Munthali.
Set to be completed by April 2025, the project offers hope to thousands of residents in Chintheche and beyond, marking a crucial step toward achieving the government’s goal of universal access to clean and safe water.