The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has invested $35.5 million (about K19.5 billion) into a five-year Sustainable Rural Water and Sanitation Infrastructure for Improved Health and Livelihoods Project covering five districts.
Being implemented through AfDB, Nigeria Trust Fund and Water Supply and Sanitation Initiative (RWSSI), the project will be implemented in Phalombe, Mangochi, Ntcheu, Nkhotakota and Rumphi districts where potable water will be provided to improve health status and poverty reduction.
In an interview with The Nation on the sidelines of the Government Project Implementation Launch at Mpasa Primary School in Phalombe, AfDB country representative Andrew Mwaba said “the project is part of the bank’s Country Strategy Paper and Programme for Malawi for the period 2013-17 which mirrors the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy II [2011-2016].”
In his remarks, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Allan Chiyembekeza said the project seeks to increase the resilience of water supply systems through their rehabilitation and expansion and also address sanitation and hygiene challenges apart from helping in climate proofing.
Among other things, the project seeks to increase coverage of sustainable and clean water to a total population of about 516 000 with 52 percent female beneficiaries and increase coverage of improved and inclusive sanitation to a total population of about 575 000 including pupils in public primary schools.
