The Thazima Gravity Piped Water Supply Scheme Project in Nyika National Park faces further delays as the June deadline that was set looks unrealistic, The Daily Times can reveal.
Initially, contractor H.E. Jackson Engineering Limited had asked for a three-month extension of the project, a period which ran from April to June this year.
However, the initiative, which stands to benefit 33,000-plus households in Mzimba and Rumphi districts, may not be completed within the scheduled time as there is still work to do.
This was disclosed on Thursday, when officials from the German government, which is funding the project, as well as those from KFW, Peace Parks Foundation and Malawi Government inspected progress of works.
In his remarks, Peace Parks Foundation Chief Executive Officer Werner Myburgh said they always anticipated some setbacks.
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“The scheme is a little bit behind schedule but if you consider the size, scale and complexity of the programme, you anticipate some setbacks and challenges.
“But, overall, we anticipate the full commissioning of the project in the next three months. That’s my estimation, in any case. And the significance of this project is enormous for Malawi and, of course, the people here,” he said.
He then asked community members to guard against fire in the two protected areas of Vwaza and Nyika, saying this could potentially affect water quality.
Originally scheduled for completion by March this year, the project faced delays primarily due to logistical challenges related to the shipment of construction materials, as cited by the contractor.
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Commenting on progress made, Department of Parks and Wildlife Director Brighton Kumchedwa said despite the delay, strides have been made.
“I think the good thing is that there is progress though the project is failing to meet deadlines because of many reasons, some of which are out of [anybody’s] control. These include landing of materials, which are being imported, but, overall, there is good progress, which is encouraging,” he said.
The project will, among other things, culminate in the laying of 96 kilometres of pipeline and three storage tanks.
Under it, implementers are also erecting two office structures for water user associations, which will be tasked to manage the project.
The $4.4 million project is being funded by KFW through Peace Parks Foundation and Malawi- Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area.
