Government has expressed concern over rising levels of non-revenue water among the country’s water utilities, warning that the losses are negatively affecting revenue collection and the efficiency of water supply systems.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Thursday during the Fifth National Workshop on Non-Revenue Water, Principal Secretary for Water Development in the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Henry Manford Njoloma, said the government is committed to addressing the challenge through increased investment, staff motivation and stronger collaboration with development partners.
Njoloma said non-revenue water that is produced but lost before it reaches customers due to leakages, illegal connections, faulty meters, and other inefficiencies remains a major challenge for water boards in Malawi.
He noted that all water boards in the country are currently operating above the acceptable non-revenue water level of 25 percent, stressing that the situation requires urgent action to improve operational efficiency and strengthen revenue collection.
“The high levels of non-revenue water are affecting the financial sustainability of water utilities and limiting their ability to expand and improve water supply services,” said Njoloma.
Executive Director of the Water Services Association of Malawi (WASAMA), Vitumbiko Mkandawire, said the current losses range between 26 and 46 percent across different water boards in the country.
Mkandawire said the losses not only reduce the amount of water available to consumers but also place financial pressure on water utilities that are already struggling to meet growing demand for safe and reliable water.
He said improving infrastructure, strengthening monitoring systems and investing in modern technologies are among the key measures needed to reduce water losses.
Meanwhile, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Malawi Chief Representative Tanaka Yukinari said the organisation is supporting Malawi through capacity development initiatives aimed at strengthening the water sector.
Yukinari said JICA is working with local stakeholders to build technical capacity and improve management systems that can help reduce non-revenue water and enhance service delivery.
The Fifth National Workshop on Non-Revenue Water has brought together government officials, water utilities, development partners and sector experts to share experiences and identify practical solutions to reduce water losses and improve water service delivery in Malawi.
By Monica Chinyama Lipiya