As a continuation of creating staff awareness on the provisions of the Access to Information Act, Blantyre Water Board (BWB) is during this week conducting a awareness sessions for more of its members of staff. The awareness sessions are aimed at fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.

The current sessions will run from Wednesday, 17th September to Friday, 19th September 2025, with more sessions to happen in the near future. The workshop seeks to equip BWB staff with a clear understanding of the ATI Act, its key provisions and the implications of non-compliance for both individual staff members and the organisation.

Speaking at the opening, Guest of Honour and BWB Acting Chief Executive Officer, Verson Kafodya, emphasized that the Act is both a legal obligation and an opportunity to build trust.

"When people know that we are open and willing to share information, they develop confidence in our commitment to integrity and service excellence," he said.

Facilitating the workshop, BWB Senior Public Relations Officer and the Board's Information Officer, Evelyn Khonje highlighted the importance of ATI awareness among BWB staff.

"It's is a requirement by the ATI Act to sensitize staff on its obligations. There is need to build a culture of transparency and accountability from within by improving internal communication, which in turn enhances external communication, which is a catalyst for sharing of information," she said.

One of the participants, Meter Reader and Disconnection Driver, James Matewere, commended the initiative, noting that it will help him and his colleagues respond more effectively to customer queries.

BWB plans to extend these awareness sessions to all its staff. By the end of this week's sessions, the Board is expected to sensitize cumulatively close to 500 out of its 750 employees.

The ATI Act was enacted in 2016 and became operational in September 2020. The Malawi Human Rights Commission serves as the oversight body for its implementation.