Lilongwe Water Board hunts for $700 million investment partners
By Emmanuel Simpokolwe:
The Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) has said it is searching for potential investment partners in implementing its $700 million worth development plan.
At a press conference in Lilongwe on Wednesday, the Board’s Chief Executive Officer, Alfonso Chikuni, said the board would host an Infrastructure Investment Financing Conference next week.
The indaba is aimed at raising awareness and interest from potential financial institutions and development partners.
“Our projects are big. They are about $600 million to $700 million. No single donor has come forward to invest with us. We think that if we bring this awareness, we can open up dialogue,” Chikuni said.
He said LWB has seven pillars of investment which include water storage and infrastructure, water production, transmission and distribution, sanitation and catchment area management and livelihoods.
The other pillars are institutional capacity strengthening and design studies.
At the press conference, Chikuni highlighted that Lilongwe City is growing fast, saying although population is currently estimated at one million, it is projected to grow to 3.8 million by 2045.
“The water supply system is under strain and the city is facing water shortages which are expected to become severe over the coming years unless major investments are made,” he said.
The Board has organised the conference in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
