Nkhuzi Bay water project resumes

Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) has obtained a stay order on an injunction which some environmental activists obtained against the Nkhuzi Bay water project in Mangochi.

This development means that although the injunction stands, SRWB will continue with construction works at the site.

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation John Bande Monday said the contractor of the treatment plant would resume work today.

According to Bande, the work is expected to be completed on December 31 2022, which is three months later than the initial time-frame.

Bande has since asked people who are concerned about the project to prioritise dialogue.

“Our ministry, through the Southern Region Water Board, has managed to get temporary relief from the court for the project. The delays are costing the contractor a lot because the machinery has to be paid for,” the Bande said.

He said, at the moment, government lawyers will continue working to have the injunction lifted.

“Unesco officials visited the site and agreed with the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority that the project was being done in line with Social and Environmental Impact Assessment recommendations.

“So, it is our hope that all other concerned bodies will allow the government to complete the project so that people can start accessing potable water,” he said..

The government borrowed about K21 billion from the World Bank to construct a water treatment plant and its supply line from Nkhuzi Bay to Bishop’s house in Mangochi.

Once completed, the project will assist 95,000 households and other resorts along the lakeshore.

But others believe that the project will damage the environment as well as some heritage facilities because the water reservoir will be constructed at Nkhuzi Hill, which is part of the Lake Malawi National Park.