BWB sends directors, other on leave

Blantyre Water Board (BWB) has sent four of its directors and a procurement and disposal of assets manager on forced leave to pave the way for a 60-day independent forensic audit. BWB chairperson Stanley Chirwa confirmed the development in an interview yesterday, saying the new board noted issues which require investigation. Chirwa said the board resolved to conduct due diligence of BWB’s activities in the present and past to ensure financial accuracy, stakeholder reassurance and legal and regulatory compliance.

He said: “There were issues that were noted, requiring proper and adequate investigation by the relevant authorities. We were of the opinion that if we do a forensic audit in all relevant departments, then we would have a clear picture of the board’s standing. That is in line with principles of good governance.

“To ensure that the process goes smoothly and that there is no question about the integrity of the audit, we thought it wise for the directors and the manager to go on leave.” Chirwa said the five remain on full pay and will continue to receive their benefits for the duration of the leave as BWB intends to conclude the exercise by the end of 60 days. When contacted yesterday, Chiumia and Kafodya said in separate interviews that the issues being addressed in the audit are confidential as indicated in letters served to them and could best be explained by BWB acting chief executive officer Chawanangwa Jana. Said Chiumia: “That being the case, I want the process they are initiating to take its course.

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They are a board and I will not comment on their processes but I will let them do what they have planned to do.” Reacting to the development, Consumers Association of Malawi executive director John Kapito said they expect the audit to address the issues they have been talking about, especially to do with procurement. For the past few years, BWB has been posting losses. For instance, in 2024 the board posted a K33.6 billion loss while in 2023, it incurred a K20.7 billion loss, according to the Malawi Government Annual Economic Report.

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