The Natural Resources Committee of Parliament Tuesday gave the National Water Resources Authority (NWRA), in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, two weeks to address the issue of Mangochi hotels and resorts that have been defying the law regarding the extraction of water from Lake Malawi.
The committee’s directive follows observations that several hotels and lodges have been bypassing the use of water from the $14.3 million Mangochi Potable Water Supply Project by the Southern Region Water Board (SRWB).
Instead, they continue to use water extracted from the lake into their own systems.
It was noted during a meeting that NWRA issues licences for water extraction for gardening and other purposes, but not for domestic use.
- Advertisement -
The conduct by the hospitality industry operators is said to be jeopardising SRWB’s ability to repay the loan obtained from the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development for the project.
- Advertisement -
Yesterday, the committee summoned officials from ministries of Water and Sanitation, Finance, Tourism and Health, NWRA, Malawi Tourism Council, the Attorney General (AG) and hotel owners, among others, to discuss the water issue.
AG Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda recommended that NWRA should issue notices against companies and individuals that are violating the law, directing them to cease their activities or face penalties.
He also suggested that NWRA could refer directors and management of the hotels to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for prosecution under the Water Works and Water Resources Acts.
Chairperson for the Natural Resources and Climate Change Committee of Parliament Werani Chilenga instructed NWRA and the Ministry of Tourism to ensure strict enforcement of the law.
- Advertisement -
Chilenga said enforcing compliance with the law would also enhance Malawi’s tourism image, particularly in the areas of water and sanitation.
NRWA Board Chairperson James Mambulu and his SRWB counterpart Brown Mpinganjira cherished the guidance given by the committee and the AG.
