23rd May 2025 - The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Hon. Abida Sidik Mia, has expressed satisfaction with the proactive measures being implemented by the Blantyre Water Board (BWB) and the Blantyre City Council (BCC) to prevent a resurgence of cholera in the city.

Hon. Abida Mia, who was accompanied by her Deputy Minister. Hon. Liana Kakhobwe Chapota M.P. made the remarks during a site visit to ongoing projects involving smart water kiosks and the construction of new public sanitation facilities under the Malawi Water and Sanitation Project-1 (MWSP-1).

Hon. Mia commended the project, highlighting its potential to improve water supply in the city and address cholera risks in areas previously identified as hotspots during the 2023–2024 outbreak.

"As you can see, the current sanitation facilities are inadequate, with just two latrines serving over 500 vendors at this market (Makhetha Market). The new modern sanitation facility under construction marks a significant improvement in sanitation service provision, enhancing residents' lives and helping prevent cholera", she said.

Speaking during the event, BWB Board Chairperson Joe Chig'ani expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its support. He noted that while MWSP-1 was originally designed as a five-year program, its implementation was accelerated in response to the 2023–2024 cholera outbreak to mitigate its impact.

"Project interventions include the construction of 15 new water kiosks and the upgrading of 15 others into smart kiosks, road works at the Mzedi dumpsite, and the construction of sanitation facilities in five market centers (Makhetha, Limbe Free Market, Limbe Produce Market, Bangwe, and Mbayani) and five clinics (Limbe, Bangwe, Makhetha, South Lunzu, and Chilimba), targeting over 5,000 people", said Chig'ani.

Blantyre City Mayor, Councillor Joseph Makwinja, welcomed the developments, noting that improved access to safe water and sanitation services would significantly benefit the city, which was among the hardest hit by cholera. He emphasized the project's positive impact on public health.

Additionally, BWB, BCC and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation are developing a new engineered landfill in Chigumula. The facility will support both waste disposal and recycling efforts, helping address environmental concerns associated with the existing Mzedi dumpsite.