Illegal connections cost BWB K36m monthly

Blantyre Water Board (BWB) says it is losing about K36 million (about $57 000) monthly or K432 million (about $ 684 628) annually in potential revenue due to illegal water connections by some individuals and businesses who bypass meters.

In a written response to a questionnaire in the wake of the board’s dangling of a K30 000 (about $48) reward to illegal connection whistle-blowers, BWB public affairs officer Priscilla Mateyu said illegal connections affect service delivery as BWB loses a lot of revenue.
She said the illegal connections make it difficult for BWB to embark on projects to sustain and improve water supply in Blantyre City and surrounding areas such as Chiradzulu Boma, Nguludi in Chiradzulu and Bvumbwe in Thyolo.
She said whistle-blowers are encouraged to call a toll-free line 0888 100 700 and the reward will be paid within 48 hours upon verification by the board.
In an earlier interview with The Nation, BWB acting director of distribution Bright Mziliwanda said while the board can locate an area with revenue leakages using back meter, it cannot pinpoint where illegal connections have been made. 