NRWB still worried with water situation

Despite Mzuzu City experiencing rains for over a month, Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) has said the rainfall is not adequate to fill Lunyangwa Dam that supplies water to the city.

The city has been experiencing water challenges since the end of the 2014/2015 rainy season. The season did not have reliable rainfall which saw the dam not being filled. The water levels were at an all-time low which saw NRWB struggling to supply water to residents

The dam was also affected by siltation as people carelessly cut down trees in Kaning’ina forest which happens to be NRWB catchment area.

Asked if the rainy season has helped improve the water situation, NRWB spokesperson Edward Nyirenda on Monday said the situation is still worrisome. He said the water level is still low and can only supply the city for three months if it does not rain soon.

Nyirenda said there is growing demand for water and the only way the city can meet the demand is to construct a new dam at Lambilambi in Viphya Plantation.

“The situation remains the same. The water situation is still critical. There is high demand for water. We are surviving because of some measures that we put in place to handle the situation.

“We are urging residents to continue conserving water. Conserving water helps ease pressure as water is not wasted,” said Nyirenda.

Mzuzu City deputy mayor Frazer Chunga said people are flocking to the city to secure jobs or establish businesses which in turn is putting pressure on resources in the city including water.

He, however commended NRWB, saying it has worked hard to manage the water situation so that residents are not heavily affected.

He said the Mzuzu City Council has also been offering support to sensitise residents on the need to conserve water. n