World Bank disburses K150 billion for Water project in Malawi

World Bank has disbursed 145 million dollars grant (close to K150 billion) for implementation of Water and Sanitation project.

The project which will be implemented by Blantyre Water Board seeks to address water, sanitation and solid waste management challenges, which if not resolved, could lead to public health crisis.

Speaking during the project signing ceremony in Blantyre the Bank`s Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde said the project aims  to benefit about 400,000 people within BWB catchment area with improved water, sanitation  and solid waste services.

She said 50 percent of those to benefit will be from the city,

In his remarks, Minister of Finance Sosten Gwengwe said the grant among others will finance the rehabilitation and upgrading of Mudi intake and water treatment plant as well as construction of water kiosk in water stressed areas among others.

Gwengwe also 44,000 learners will benefit from improved sanitation services

Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Mia said current statistics indicate that water coverage is at 70 percent and sanitation at 30 percent.

Meanwhile, World Bank has called for strong, efficient and effective implementation of the project to meet the project key indicators that could, enable Malawi to qualify for additional financing.