Malawi’s Lilongwe Bulk Water Supply Project: Impact Report

The Lilongwe Bulk Water Supply Project in Malawi represents a strategic intervention aimed at transforming the water and sanitation landscape of Lilongwe, the nation’s capital. With the primary goal of improving water access and enhancing the Lilongwe Water Board’s (LWB) operational efficiency, the project encompasses infrastructure expansion, environmental safeguards, and social development components.

Background and Rationale

Malawi’s Water Context:

Malawi faces significant challenges in providing safe and reliable water and sanitation services, especially in urban centres like Lilongwe. Many residents currently rely on unprotected water sources such as boreholes, rivers, and dug wells, exposing them to waterborne diseases like cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid. The gap between water demand and supply remains critical, compounded by infrastructural deficits, population growth, and climate variability.

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Project Objective:

The Lilongwe Water and Sanitation Project (LWSP) aims to bridge this gap by expanding and rehabilitating the water infrastructure. The core development objective (PDO) is to increase access to safe, reliable water and improved sanitation services in Lilongwe City. The project’s scope includes constructing a new dam, upgrading treatment facilities, extending the distribution network, and improving sanitation systems, ensuring a sustainable water future for the city.

Project Components and Scope

Infrastructure Works:

• Construction of a new earthfill dam to augment water storage capacity.

• Remedial works on existing dams to ensure safety and operational efficiency.

• Expansion of the water treatment plant to meet increasing demand.

• Extension of approximately 240 km of water pipelines across key urban and peri-urban zones, including Nalikule, Sandula-Mchezi, Area 25 (Dzenza), Chitedze, Area 38 (Chikungu), Western Bypass, and Nanjiri.

• Installation of two new Pressure Booster Stations (PBS), five Pressure Reduction Valves (PRVs), eight flow meters for district metering, and pressure loggers.

Environmental and Social Assessments:

A detailed Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was undertaken to identify potential impacts, risks, and mitigation measures, ensuring the project aligns with national regulations and international safeguard policies, notably those of the World Bank.

Rationale for the Impact Assessment:

While the project’s benefits are significant, its implementation involves land acquisition, construction activities, and operational changes that could affect communities, ecosystems, and existing infrastructure. The ESIA aims to proactively address these challenges to ensure sustainable and equitable outcomes.

Anticipated Positive Impacts

1. Enhanced Access to Potable Water:

The project will dramatically improve the availability of safe drinking water for Lilongwe’s residents, reducing dependence on unsafe sources and decreasing waterborne disease prevalence.

2. Improved Sanitation and Hygiene:

By upgrading sanitation facilities and promoting hygiene education, the project aims to reduce the incidence of sanitation-related diseases and foster healthier communities.

3. Economic and Social Development:

Construction and operational activities are expected to generate employment opportunities for local workers and stimulate local businesses, boosting the economy.

4. Environmental Benefits:

The new dam and expanded treatment facilities will enable better water management, potentially reducing environmental degradation caused by unregulated water extraction and pollution from untreated sources.

Potential Negative Impacts and Risks

1. Loss of Property and Displacement:

Land acquisition for dam construction, pipelines, and facilities may result in the displacement of residents, loss of residential homes, businesses, and community assets, including a graveyard along the pipeline route.

2. Disruption of Utilities and Services:

Construction activities may temporarily interrupt existing water and electricity services, causing inconvenience.

3. Environmental Concerns:

Vegetation clearance, soil erosion, sedimentation of waterways, and disturbance to ecosystems, wetlands, and wildlife habitats are potential risks.

4. Social Challenges:

Community anxiety over property loss, influx of construction workers, and disruptions to livelihoods could arise.

5. Health and Safety Risks:

Construction sites pose hazards such as accidents, exposure to dust and noise, and potential spread of diseases like HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 if safety measures are not strictly enforced.

Mitigation Strategies and Management Plans

Environmental Safeguards:

• Implementation of an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) aligned with national and international standards.

• Rerouting pipelines to avoid impacts on graveyards and sensitive ecosystems.

• Reforestation, soil erosion control, and sediment management to protect ecosystems.

• Proper waste management, including disposal of construction debris, wastewater, and hazardous materials.

Social Safeguards:

• Development of Resettlement Action Plans (RAP) to compensate affected individuals and communities fairly.

• Engaging communities through consultations to incorporate their concerns and ensure transparency.

• Supporting livelihood restoration programs for displaced persons and informal vendors affected by construction.

Health and Safety Measures:

• Enforce strict occupational health protocols, including PPE for workers.

• Conducting regular safety training, toolbox talks, and medical check-ups.

• Implementing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases, such as sanitisation stations, social distancing, and health screenings.

Community Engagement and Awareness:

• Promoting good hygiene practices and water conservation through civic education campaigns.

• Establishing grievance redress mechanisms for community complaints and disputes.

Project Development and Implementation

Funding and Partnerships:

The project is financed by the Government of Malawi through the Lilongwe Water Board, with financial support from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group. This partnership emphasises adherence to best practices in project design, implementation, and monitoring.

Implementation Timeline:

The project is planned for a 12-month construction period, with phased activities including site preparation, dam construction, pipeline installation, and commissioning of new facilities.

Employment and Local Economic Benefits:

At least 50 local jobs will be created during construction, prioritising employment of residents from affected communities, including women and youth.

Broader Significance for Malawi

The Lilongwe Bulk Water Supply Project embodies Malawi’s commitment to improving urban water security, public health, and socio-economic development. It aligns with national policies on sustainable development, health, and infrastructure modernisation. Additionally, the project serves as a model for integrated water resource management, community participation, and environmental stewardship.

This project’s successful implementation can inspire similar initiatives across Malawi and the Southern African region, demonstrating that with careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to environmental safeguards, urban water challenges can be effectively addressed.

Recommendations

The Lilongwe Bulk Water Supply Project holds transformative potential for Malawi’s capital, promising increased access to safe water, improved sanitation, and economic growth. However, realising these benefits requires unwavering commitment to environmental and social safeguards, community involvement, and transparent management.

Key recommendations include:

• Strict adherence to mitigation and management plans during construction and operation.

• Continuous stakeholder engagement to address concerns and foster local ownership.

• Robust monitoring and evaluation to measure environmental, social, and health impacts.

• Scaling up community awareness programs on water conservation and hygiene.

By prioritising these strategies, Malawi can ensure that the Lilongwe Water and Sanitation Project not only meets its immediate objectives but also contributes to the nation’s sustainable urban development and resilience.

In summary, Malawi’s Lilongwe Bulk Water Supply Project exemplifies a comprehensive approach to urban water infrastructure development—balancing technical innovation with environmental and social responsibility—making it a noteworthy model for sustainable growth in similar contexts worldwide.