Thousands of underprivileged residents in Blantyre City have begun fetching water from communal kiosks for free, thanks to a World Bank-funded initiative launched by the Blantyre Water Board (BWB).
The initiative also aligns with Executive Order No. 2 of 2026, issued on March 1, 2026, by President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, which mandates immediate nationwide action to improve sanitation and hygiene.
Speaking during a media tour of kiosks in Manje, Ndirande, and Soche, BWB Assistant Public Relations Officer Peter Chilenga revealed that the World Bank has provided K105 million towards the programme.
He explained that the initiative aims to provide vulnerable populations with access to safe water, ultimately curbing the spread of cholera.
“We have nearly 600 water kiosks where underprivileged residents can collect water. Leaders of Water Users Associations (WUAs) and key stakeholders have already been informed about who qualifies to benefit,” Chilenga said.
Participating WUAs include the Kabula Development Association, Mudi, Bangwe-Mpingwe, Ndirande-Malabada, Lunzu-Pasani, Soche-Misesa, Nkolokoti-Kachere, and Misidi-Sanjika.
Residents have since welcomed the relief effort.
Talent Kaisi, a beneficiary from Nancholi Township, praised BWB and the World Bank for the initiative.
“We have really benefited a lot here in Nancholi. Before this clean water project came, we used to get our water from rivers, and many children got sick,” Kaisi said. “Having this clean water has helped us immensely. Stomach problems and illnesses have dropped significantly, and our homes and surroundings are much cleaner now.”
However, Chilenga clarified that each kiosk is allocated a specific quota of water, and free distribution will end once that limit is reached.
He emphasised that the water is strictly meant for domestic household use by families without piped water on their premises.
“Certain activities are strictly prohibited when drawing this free water, including watering farms, gardens, lawns, or flowers; feeding livestock; using the water for construction work; or collecting water in containers exceeding 40 liters,” Chilenga added.
By George Mhango
