Waterway project needsK350bn more—minister

Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Roz a Mbilizi has told Parliament that government requires an additional $200 million (about K350 billion) to complete the Salima-Lilongwe Water Supply Project by June 2027, . Responding to a question from Salima Central West legislator Enock Phale (independent) yesterday, she said despite delays largely caused by inadequate funding and foreign exchange shortages, government remains committed to completing the project within the revised timeframe. Phale said repeated delays had heightened public concern as communities in Salima, Dowa and Lilongwe continue to face persistent water shortages.

“The project has repeatedly missed its implementation timelines, giving rise to understandable public concern regarding its completion. Existing water supply systems are frequently failing, with taps running dry for prolonged periods,” he said. Mbilizi said government is mobilising the required financing to ensure that the project is commissioned by June 2027.

“Indeed there have been delays in project implementation because of severe funding inadequacy in the past five years. But I can assure the people of Salima, Dowa and Lilongwe that come June 2027, the project will be fully operational,” she said. Mbilizi also said the project requires substantial foreign currency and government is working to secure the outstanding $200 million.

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The project, estimated to cost $315 million, has previously been affected by foreign exchange shortages that slowed implementation. Once completed, the Salima- Lilongwe Water Supply Project is expected to supply about 100 million litres of water per day to 1.5 million people.

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