National Water Resources Authority NWRA has suspended waste discharge permit for Prescane limited for noncompliance of the water resources act of 2013.
This follows inspection by NWRA, Malawi Environmental policy and advocacy MEPA and Central Water Laboratory at prescane waste management facility at Dyeratu in Chikwawa district on January 20, 2026.
According to a statement released by NWRA, the inspection findings reveals serious violations of water resources act of 2013, citing deliberately allowing raw and untreated waste to overflow and discharge into the environment due to overloading of evaporation ponds which contrary to section 88 and 89 of WRA OF 2013.
The authority has also ordered the company to immediately suspend all waste discharge adding that the Company must clean up, rehabilitate and restore all environment and waste resources impacted by waste spill incident at its own cost, in accordance with section 103 of the WRA OF 2013
Public relations officer for National Water Resources Authority Misozi Kasambara said Prescane limited has committed 8 series violations hence the order.
Kasambara said currently they are assessing the extent of damage caused saying monetary fine may be imposed on the company.
Meanwhile: Citizen League and center for democracy and economic development initiative CDEDI are expected to hold vigils at Prescane Company for failing to honor a seven day ultimatum to shut down its waste discharge disposal site.
Speaking in an interview with Radio Islam, Citizen League chairperson Francis Mazinga said there is no hope that the company will stop its operations, despite ministers of Agriculture and Natural resources visit to the company on the same.
Mazinga said the District commissioner has granted them permission to hold the planned vigils hence asking members of the public as well as the victims to take part in the peaceful demonstrations.
Mazinga said rumor have it that the company has suspended its operations, however they have not been addressed on this issues, hence proceeding with the demonstrations.
He said the company needs to meet the demands of the citizens for the betterment of people’s lives.
Two weeks ago, ministry of Trade and Industry gave press Cane Company a 14 days ultimatum to come up with a plan on how they will peruse the dams where they kept the Venuses from molasses.
The proposition came, following a meeting between government authorities, Prescane officials, citizen league, traditional leaders and community members, where they discussed issues of environmental damage caused by waste from ethanol that has been affecting people surrounding Dyeratu area in chikwawa district.
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