JICA to help reduce Lilongwe Water board NRW but no outright plan revealed for stopping illegal water connections?

Water as we all know is one of the most important substances on earth. This is why Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is making plans to assist Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) in reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW). The reduction comes due to leakage of water pipes, theft and illegal water connections among others.

The water boards in Malawi are responsible for water supply within their jurisdiction. They are also responsible for promoting sanitation and enforcing water works by-laws.

WHY IS THIS ASSISTANCE IMPORTANT?

In 2017, Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) reported a loss in excess of  4 billion Kwachas in non-revenue water annually due to illegal connections. This loss will have helped revamp the old piping system which is about 2,000 kilometres.

Meanwhile, the assistance comes after the successful launching of JICA’s four year project dubbed ”Project for strengthening the capacity of NRW reduction for LWB”.

According to the partnership agreement, the project will aim at enhancing the capacity for NRW reduction as well as improving efficiency of water used.

JICA Resident Representative Kito Koichi said ”We are collaborating with the Government of Malawi in improving the water sector. We opted to help in expanding water supply in rural areas but have noted high rate of urbanisation in Lilongwe city”.

The LWB CEO, Engineer Alfonso Chikuni In his own remark said; “The support from JICA is very beneficial to the water board. It will help enhance our capability of water supply management and also deal with issues of NRW which we are currently facing.”

The question is ”what strategy will JICA use to help tackle illegal connections which is the major cause of  Non-Revenue Water (NRW)? Also what will happen to the old piping system?

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