Japan grants Malawi K2bn for water supply

The Japanese government on Thursday signed a financial agreement worth K2 billion (about $8 million) towards selected market centres and rural water supply in Mchinji and Kasungu.

The project will include the construction of water supply facilities at traditional authorities Santhe in Kasungu and Mkanda in Mchinji.

The funds will also be used to rehabilitate 300 boreholes in Mchinji as well as the construction of 15 boreholes in areas where rehabilitation of existing boreholes will be deemed difficult.

Japanese Ambassador Fujio Samukawa said during the signing ceremony in Lilongwe that it is expected that a population of over 14 000 people in Santhe and Mkanda’s areas will benefit from the safe water in the coming years.

 “I am hopeful that through this project, access to safe water will be enhanced, therefore, leading to the prevention of water-borne diseases and also the improvement of hygiene,” said Samukawa.

He assured Malawi that his government will continue to support initiatives to provide safe water to people.

Minister of Finance Dr. Ken Lipenga thanked the government of Japan for continued support despite many natural calamities befalling the Japanese.

He recalled that not so long ago, Japan experienced the worst ever Tsunami which he said threatened the foundation of that country’s existence.

“The resilience of the people of Japan in the face of difficulty has become the beacon of hope for many nations, including Malawi which has shown us that there is always a better day,” said Lipenga.