NRWB finds new water source in Chitipa
Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) has found a new water source for Chitipa. It is Kalenge River, which is near Misuku Hills.
The new water source will be able to supply Chitipa central and its surrounding areas. The district has been facing several days without water. The current supply system is pumping water from the boreholes and the situation goes worse when there are persistent blackouts.
The cost of transporting water and building the supply system is estimated at $12 million. The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (Badea) is committed to providing $10 million, while the Malawi Government will provide $2 million.
Minister of Water Development and Irrigation Richie Muheya was taken to the site. NRWB Karonga Zone manager Khumbo Mwafulirwa told the minister last week that in addition to the river having perennial water supply, the place was ideal for construction of a weir, a small dam that allows to abstract water.
The minister was also taken to Songwe where the board is constructing a water supply system.
“There have been media reports that people at Songwe were getting water from Tanzania, or that they were drinking water from Songwe River. This obviously concerned government and the water board’s decision to construct a water supply system is commendable,” said Muheya.
The water supply, which will be borehole fed, is expected to cost $2.5 million.
Muheya also visited Chibula Water Users Association in Chitipa where people are carrying out irrigation farming and Mzuzu, where NRWB is experimenting pre-paid water system.
