On Monday, Lilongwe Water Board hosted the World Bank’s Water Practice Manager, Francis Ghesquiere, and the Senior Water Resource Management Specialist, Tesfaye Bekalu. The visit was aimed at appreciating the work that is being done under the World Bank-funded Lilongwe Water and Sanitation Project (LWSP).

Prior to the site visits, the Bank’s team was briefed on the progress of the project, which has transformed the water and sanitation aspects of Lilongwe City and surrounding areas. The main highlights of the briefing were on pipe extensions and non-revenue water. The project scope consists of four components that contribute, namely: Network Rehabilitation, Expansion, and NRW Reduction; Priority Sanitation Improvements; Technical Assistance; and Institutional Capacity Strengthening.

The team was then taken to different sites where the project has been implemented so that they could appreciate the impact and hear from the beneficiaries. The team visited Zamakono toilets in Chinsapo, e-Madzi kiosk in Nanjiri, the new water storage facility at Chikungu, and the rehabilitated sewerage treatment plant in Kauma.

The Bank’s team has commended LWB on the work done so far and the commitment shown throughout the project to ensure there is improved water supply and sanitation services in the city as the nation is trying to achieve the Malawi 2063 Agenda. The Bank has also committed to ensuring that LWSP and other projects are fully implemented to change the lives of people in the city and surrounding areas. This visit was part of the Bank’s routine visits that are aimed at tracking the progress of its projects. Earlier in the year, the World Bank’s Managing Director also visited sites under the project.