Jica helps Lilongwe Water Board to reduce losses

Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) has helped Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) to reduce non-revenue water resulting from leakage of water pipes, theft and illegal water connection.

The development comes after the recent launch of Jica’s four-year called Strengthening The Capacity of NRW Reduction for Lilongwe Water Board Project.

Speaking during a Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) meeting on Friday in Lilongwe, Jica resident representative Kito Koichi said his organisation is committed to supporting water supply developments in the country.

“So far, Jica is collaborating with the Government of Malawi in improving the water sector. We opted to help in expanding water supply in rural areas, but we have noted high rate of urbanisation in Lilongwe City.

“For this reason, we would also like to assist with more resources to cope with urban water supply management in the city,” he said.

In his remarks, LWB chief executive officer Engineer Alfonso Chikuni commended Jica for its project support which he said is timely. Currently, LWB has recorded 37 percent of non-revenue water since its establishment up to June this year due to water leakage, old distribution pipes, incorrect water meter reading and illegal connection.