Vice President Commends Lilongwe Water Board for Reform Achievements and Water Bottling Plant

By: Sellina Siffat Gada

Vice President and Minister of State for Public Service Delivery, Dr. Michael Usi, has commended the Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) for its progress in implementing reforms to enhance efficiency and service delivery. During his visit on February 12, 2025, Dr. Usi praised LWB’s efforts, emphasizing that success should be measured by tangible results rather than completed activities.

“This is very commendable. You are aligning well with the reform agenda, setting a model of excellence,” Dr. Usi stated. He urged LWB to improve public engagement, noting that awareness fosters cooperation in protecting water infrastructure. “When the public understands the work being done, they are more likely to report vandalism and support these efforts,” he said.

The Vice President also stressed the importance of professionalism in handling customer service, particularly in cases of water disconnections. “It’s not just about disconnections but educating people on timely bill payments,” he advised. Minister of Water and Sanitation, Hon. Abida Mia, praised LWB’s shift towards a customer-centric approach, crediting strategic thinking and innovation for its transformation.

One of the major highlights of the visit was the nearing completion of LWB’s Water Bottling Plant. Constructed at a cost of MK 3.3 billion, the plant is expected to generate MK 4.9 billion in its first year, contributing 7% to LWB’s revenue and yielding MK 430 million in profit. “This is a forward-thinking initiative,” Dr. Usi said, urging LWB to share its innovations with other Water Boards across the country.

Dr. Usi also toured LWB’s Call Centre and SCADA systems, which are part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving customer service and operational efficiency. LWB CEO, Mr. Silli Mbewe, expressed optimism about the plant’s impact on revenue and service quality. “We believe this initiative will strengthen both our finances and public service delivery,” Mbewe said.

The visit showcased the government’s commitment to ensuring that reforms translate into real impact for Malawians. With these initiatives, LWB is setting a new standard in Malawi’s water sector, demonstrating the power of strategic transformation and innovation in meeting the country’s evolving needs.