Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) was on Wednesday awarded the Water Utility of the Year Award at the 4th edition of the African Utility Week Industry Awards held in Cape Town, South Africa.
African Utility Week Industry Awards—a leading event and platform that recognises, rewards and celebrates success of Africa’s power and water sectors—brought together over 800 of Africa’s power and water industry professionals.
At the ceremony, LWB emerged as the winner, beating the four shortlisted institutions in the water category. The other three were Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company of Kenya, National Water & Sewerage Corporation of Uganda and ONEA of Burkina Faso.
LWB board chairperson Kayisi Sadala told The Nation that the award was an important recognition for LWB and the country.
“It was the first time such an award has been granted to a Malawian company, hence its importance. As board chair, I am very excited and owe it to management and staff for their dedication and the shareholders for their unwavering support,” he said.
Announcing the rationale used to arrive at the winner, director of ceremonies at the event said the winner has to be a company that should be seen to have made significant contribution to the water sector growth through either water resource management, reduction of non-revenue and unaccounted for water and water waste treatment.
According to the African Utility Week website, the awards were based on thoroughly researched information and a judging panel hand-picked for their expertise and thought leadership in the energy and water sectors.
LWB was the only Malawian firm shortlisted in the awards categories. n
