Africa-Press – Malawi. The National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) is not reversing its decision to seal off all illegal water supply systems in Malawi from November 24, 2023.
The NWRA’s Senior Civic Education and Public Relations Officer, Masozi Kasambara said following the ultimatum that was issued recently, all the illegal water supply systems such as borehole drillers must declare their operations within the stipulated period.
Kasambala was speaking in Lilongwe on Friday the authority’s officials engaged Lilongwe District Council’s District Executive Committee DEC on NWRA’s mandate and how best the council will work together
Kasambara hinted that the exercise aims at bringing sanity to the water sector. He warned that the authority would not compensate anyone who developed water systems in buffer zones including lodges, and hotels constructed along rivers and lakes.
“November 24, 2023, remains the date for all illegal water system operators to register their operation as the authority will not have mercy on them.
Illegal water abstraction and borehole drilling are punishable by law. Apart from monetary fines, culprits may be jailed if convicted by a court of law,” warned Kasambala
He therefore appealed to the public to desist from the illegal abstraction of water, stressing that boreholes must only be drilled upon getting consent from the Authority.
Lilongwe District Council’s Chief Environmental Officer Boniface Chimwaza lauded the authority for the engagement saying the council will provide necessary support. Chimwaza said engagement will help to promote quality and equitable distribution of water resources thereby reducing waterborne diseases.
The National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) is on a countrywide water regulation campaign to safeguard water catchment areas in line with Water Resources Act of 2013.
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