BY BLAIR MHONE
Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) says it has resumed construction works on the $30.5 million Nkhata Bay Town Water Supply and Sanitation project after rectifying health and safety requirements as demanded by the financier, Africa Development Bank (AfDB).
The halt came about a few months ago after a child died in one of the project’s trenches raising concerns from the bank which eventually stopped the disbursement of funds.
Confirming the development, NRWB Publication Relations Officer, Edward Nyirenda says the water utility body has been working with the contractor to follow healthy safety procedures in the implementation of the project and all required measures were put in place and approved by the AfDB in June.
The project after completion next year, is expected to increase the percentage of people with access to potable water in the lake shore district from 55% to 90% and access to sanitation from 10% to 50%.
Apart from the construction of additional water pumps and installation of new pipelines to all areas of the district, NRWB is also supplying liquid and solid waste disposal trucks to the district council for waste management.
For instance last month, NRWB handed over 2 skip carriers and 10 skip bins valued at over MK200 million to the council as part of the project.
According to NRWB, under the sanitation component, the project has supported the council through the promotion of open defecation free communities and improved household sanitation through marketing of improved sanitation facilities and hygiene practices.
“The project has further prepared Sanitation and Hygiene Planning and Investment Strategy for the Town and constructed 23 ventilated improved pit latrines and flush toilets in public schools and market centres and health centres.
“The project has also upgraded the liquid waste treatment plant at Nkhata Bay District Hospital so that it can treat liquid wastes collected from households and institutions at the town as well as constructed improved solid waste management site at Nkhafu,” said Nyirenda.
In addition, Nyirenda said through the project, the NRWB is also supporting the council with solid waste management capacity building programs and has so far trained 65 artisans for provision of sanitation services to communities.
The Nkhata Bay Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project is being funded by the African Development Bank, the OPEC Fund for International Development and the Malawi Government.
