Zomba, May 29, Mana: Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia has appealed to the cooperate world and well-wishers to support Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) with water bowsers and construction materials as it strives to fix the main transmission water pipe that was vandalised.

Speaking Friday after visiting the site where the pipe was vandalised and to appreciate construction works currently underway, Mia said with current situation the board is in, it would be proper if more assistance was available to support the people of Zomba.

The minister said with only eight water bowsers it would be difficult for SRWB to reach out to all its 600,000 customers in Zomba who have no water.

"The problem here is huge and I don't think the board is able to serve all its customers. Having looked at the extent of damage and how affected people of Zomba are, I would like to appeal to wellwishers to assist us with water bowsers so that people have access to clean and safe water,” Mia said.

She also asked for the support of air transport which could help in airlifting some construction materials which are manually being carried by engineering staff to the top of the mountain where the transmission pipe was vandalised. 

The minster feared about cholera outbreak due to water scarcity in the city as people are getting water from unprotected sources.

"I cannot imagine where people are getting water. People of Zomba are indeed in trouble," she said.

The minister condemned theft of public properties saying the conduct is retrogressive.

In an interview Chief Executive Officer for SRWB, Duncan Chambamba said the Board would need K500 million to fix the problem.

He said the Board will need to buy new anchor straps and also erect a concrete pillar which will help in holding the transmission pipe.

"We have already spent K150 million and we still need more funds to complete the construction works," said Chambamba.

Meanwhile, the CEO says the Board is working on revamping the old transmission line so that people have access to water throughout at a low pressure.

On May 12, 2023 thieves vandalised the main water transmission pipes forcing SRWB to completely shut down its water supply in Zomba.

Staff from SRWB and Malawi Defence Force are on the site working tirelessly to ensure water is restored.

Mana/ssm/mmm/pk