The Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Sidik Mia on Monday paid a site supervision visit to the Southern Region Water Board treatment plant in Zomba to appreciate the progress made in repair works after the main transmission pipes that feed the plant were vandalized by unknown people.
The transmission line and the supporting structures at the plant were destroyed by heavy running water due to the impact of the vandalism that occurred up the hill. Maintenance works are progressing well and the maintenance team; SRWB and Malawi Defence Force are working 24/7 to ensure that the works are completed within the shortest time possible.
Meanwhile, to mitigate the impact, 8 water browsers from the Ministry and SRWB have been deployed to supply water to both customers and critical services providers such as hospitals and schools in the District. This will continue until the water supply situation improves.
Speaking to the media, the Minister reassured residents of the District that the Government has put all efforts in place to ensure that the repair works are expedited. Mia further bemoaned the vandalism, saying it was very unfortunate that people are still so selfish
“As Government, we are working hard to achieve full coverage with WASH services in the country, prioritizing potable water and sanitation, such acts set us back in this, and it’s very unfortunate that we will spend more resources repairing the structures when we should be developing new structures,” said Mia
The damage has left SRWB unable to supply water in Zomba at full capacity. Because of the depth of the damage, the system is expected to be restored in at least 8 days; by Sunday, the 4th of June, 2023.
