By Leonard Masauli
Lilongwe, April 29, Mana: The Ministry of Water and Sanitation says government is making significant progress to ensure access to safe, clean, and potable water for all communities in Malawi, despite facing financing challenges in the sector.
This was highlighted during the 15th Joint Sector Review Workshop held from April 29 to 30, 2025, at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. During the event, the Ministry also launched the National Water Policy (2025) and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation Strategic Plan (2025–2030).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia said that although the sector continues to experience funding limitations, the government is committed to improving access to potable and accessible water across the country.
Mia noted that the government is currently constructing multipurpose dams in various parts of Malawi to enhance water security.
“We are currently constructing multipurpose dams across the country to enhance water security. These dams will provide water not only for domestic use, but agricultural purposes, fisheries, energy production as well as tourism.
“In the face of climate change where the frequent intensity of floods and droughts have increased, we aim to draw climate resilience from these dams. As WASH sector, we are also mandated to rehabilitate gravity water supply schemes across the country to enable people to have access to clean and safe water,” said Mia.
Representative of Malawi’s donor partners, Johannes Wedenig, emphasized the need for continued collaboration to ensure the availability of safe and accessible water in communities, despite financial constraints affecting the sector.
“We are here not just to reflect but to work together to improve the situation of water, sanitation and hygiene in Malawi, with concerted efforts. Safe water is essential to life itself, and proper sanitation and hygiene prevent spread of diseases and ensures human dignity. Without these essential services, the most basic needs of life are unmet.
“However, this is a time for urgency, ambition and accountability. We are realistic about the challenges, fiscal constraints are tight, global aid is shifting, and climate change risks are growing. But we are equally confident in Malawi's potential in its leadership and its people and the solutions within reach,” said Wedenig.
He added that donors are encouraged by the projected stability of the WASH budget for 2025/2026 but stressed the need for Malawi to strengthen its financial resilience, as currently 80 percent of the total WASH budget is sourced externally.
Board Chairperson for the Water and Environment Sanitation Network (WESNET), Panganani Njolomole, applauded the government for its efforts in constructing dams across the country, saying this will significantly improve access to water.
The review meeting is being held under the theme: “Fostering Resilient WASH Infrastructure Investments Amidst Financing Challenges.”
