BLANTYRE — Big changes are happening in Blantyre, and they all trace back to one bold decision by President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera—to create a Ministry that focuses only on water and sanitation. That decision is now turning into real results on the ground.
This week, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Sidik Mia, joined by her Deputy and the Mayor of Blantyre City, Councillor Joseph Makwinja, visited several key project sites in the city. These projects are part of the Malawi Water and Sanitation Project-1, which is being run by the Blantyre Water Board with support from the Ministry and Blantyre City Council.
One of the stops was at Makhetha Market, known locally as manda a mbuzi, where new public toilets are being built. These will help improve hygiene for thousands of people. Similar facilities are also planned for schools and other busy areas in the city.
The team also visited the Cheisa Water Kiosk, which has been repaired and is now helping people in nearby townships get safe, clean water. More kiosks like this are being fixed or built around Blantyre to make sure more people can access water without walking long distances.
To finish the visit, the Minister and her team inspected the new concrete road leading to the Mzedi dumpsite. Before the road was built, it was hard for people to dump waste properly, leading to illegal dumping and health risks like cholera. Now, with a proper road in place, waste can be managed better, keeping communities cleaner and safer.
Speaking after the tour, Minister Mia thanked President Chakwera for his clear vision and leadership. “Creating a Ministry just for water and sanitation was a game changer,” she said. “We are working under his leadership, and because of that, we are getting real things done for the people.”
Even though natural disasters like Cyclone Freddy damaged some of the country’s water infrastructure, the Ministry says it is staying on track. With support from the President and development partners, the goal remains clear: to make sure every Malawian has access to clean water and decent sanitation, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6.
From new toilets and water kiosks to better roads and cleaner cities, the President’s water agenda is no longer just a plan—it’s a promise being delivered.
