By Pemphero Malimba
President Lazarus Chakwera has emphasised the importance of irrigation to the country, saying it is key to meeting food security goals.
Chakwera said this Monday when he launched Kholongo multipurpose dam construction works in Senior Chief Chakhaza’s area, Dowa District.
The event was held simultaneously with activities marking World Water Day.
“Rain-fed agriculture has proven to be not reliable since we are not receiving rains as we used to do in the past. As such, we need to find ways of doing agriculture so that people can have enough food,” Chakwera said.
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He said the declaration of the State of Disaster is crucial as it puts the country in a position where it can get support from development partners.
“Development partners will be able to help in ending the hunger that has affected many Malawians in the country,” he said
He said the provision of potable water is equally crucial, as it promotes peace in society.
“If people have no water in their homes, it brings distractions. So, the provision of water to people is crucial in ensuring peace in the society,” he said.
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On his part, Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation Elias Chimlambe commended the government for financing the project.
Chimlambe said the ministry has set aside $214 million for construction of more dams across the country.
According to Chimlambe, the dams will be constructed in Zomba, Blantyre, Chikwawa, Balaka, Neno, Ntcheu, Ntchisi, Kasungu and Mzimba districts.
“We, in the ministry, are busy ensuring that what is already aligned to the 10-year implementation plan of the Malawi 2063 is fulfilled by 2030 so that Malawians should have access to safe water,” he said.
Central Region Water Board (CRWB) Chairperson Eddison Mombera said they are hopeful that the project would be completed in 2026.
“Looking at the way the project is progressing, we are very sure that it will be completed as planned,” Mombera said.
Meanwhile, Senior Chief Chakhaza has commended government for showing commitment to address water accessibility challenges that people have been facing for a long time in the area.
Kholongo multipurpose dam construction works started in March 2023 and are expected to be completed in February 2026.
The government is financing construction of the 1.1 kilometre dam to the tune of K79 billion, and is being implemented by the Ministry of Water and Sanitation through CRWB.
Upon completion, the dam, which shall be a 25 billion litres water reservoir, shall be benefiting at least 191,000 people in Mponela, Madisi and surrounding trading centres in the district through water supply, irrigation and fish farming activities.
