Blantyre Water Board (BWB) says the construction and upgrading of its major pumping stations in Walkers Ferry and Chileka and the rehabilitation of the pipes that connect the two stations which was expected to end by October will be finalised by November 15.
The company’s public relations officer Priscilla Mateyu confirmed the development saying the extension was being funded by European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank. But the project has failed to be implemented on time due to delays in equipment delivery by their suppliers.
“People should be patient with the current water supply situation because once this project is finalised, water supply will be improved and people will have access to water every day,” she said adding that the improvement in the water supply will be evidenced in the next three months.
Said Mateyu: “This project will help in alleviating water shortages which are rampant especially in high elevated areas. We will be able to meet demand which currently is pegged at 96 000 cubic meters. People should expect a very big change in terms of water supply, there will be enough water for their daily use and consumption.”
At the moment, the board has capacity of 78 000 cubic meters produced at its Walkers ferry station.
Among other areas which will benefit from this project are Chilobwe, Zingwangwa, Chimwankhunda, Soche, Kameza, Lunzu, Machinjiri, Chirimba, Chigumula, Bvumbwe and Chiradzulu.
The board is also constructing three water reservoir tanks with a capacity of 5 000 cubic metres in Kameza, Chigumula and Soche with an aim to ease water scarcity which the country is currently experiencing. These tanks are expected to service about 230 000 people.
