Water boards to manage sewer
After a long time of debate on who is responsible for sewage management, it has been established that water boards in the country are responsible.
This is According to Water Works Act of 1995. The development was established when the Parliamentary committee of natural resources met officials from different water boards in the country in Lilongwe on Thursday.
Chairperson of the committee, Werani Chilenga, said they were happy that the boards have been entrusted with the management of sewer system in the country.
“We are happy that finally we have managed to come up with that is responsible for management of sewer systems in the country. All along there have been squabbles between the Ministry of Local Government and water boards over who was responsible,’’ he said.
Director of Water Supply and Sanitation in the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Emma Mbalame, said they were also excited that finally they have guidance on the matter.
“We are going to follow what the Act is saying and use possible direction that the Ministry of Justice through this meeting has given,’’ she said.
The development comes when Area 18 residents in Lilongwe are seeking compensation from Lilongwe Water Board (LWB), Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) and Lilongwe City Council (LCC) for drinking water contaminated with sewage.
On 18 July 2017, residents of Area 18 in Lilongwe had a rude awakening when they discovered that water was contaminated with faecal material making them worried of contracting water borne diseases.
At least 1,300 people want compensation of K4 million each from MHC, LWB and LCC. The matter is ongoing at the High Court.
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