His Excellency Mr. Youichi Oya, the Ambassador for Japan to Malawi on Friday 19th July 2024 visited Blantyre Water Board for a brief meeting with the Board’s Executive Management to discuss upcoming projects aimed at improving service delivery.

In his remarks, Mr. Oya said the Government of Japan through Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been providing various support to organizations in Malawi. As for Blantyre Water Board, JICA has been collaborating with the Board and exploring opportunities for future development projects such as infrastructure development, technology transfer and capacity building in water management. “I can assure you of our continued support for Blantyre Water Board’s future projects,” he said.

Speaking during the meeting, the Board Chairperson for Blantyre Water Board Mr. Joe Ching’ani expressed his appreciation for the support the Board receives from the people and Government of Japan. He outlined two of the plans which the Board has in place to mitigate the challenges the Board is currently facing. First is the plan for the Limbe Water Supply Improvement Program which is focusing on improving water supply services to Limbe Zone customers and reducing high non-revenue water which is very high in this zone. The other plan is the construction of an Independent Power supply that will reduce the high energy costs currently choking the Board’s financial strength. “To fully implement these plans, the Board requires funding which at the moment is uncertain,” he said. Ching’ani was optimistic that if these plans are implemented, Blantyre Water Board would be on a route to success and be able to sustain its operations.

His Excellency Ambassador Youichi Oya was taken through a brief presentation on the future key projects for Blantyre Water Board by the CEO, Dr. Robert T. Hanjahanja including the Mudi Catchment Management and Recreation Project. This project is aimed at reinstating Mudi catchment to its original state and making improvements that will include recreational facilities for the general public’s enjoyment. His Excellency Oya winded up his visit to Blantyre Water Board with a tour to Mudi Dam and the Mudi Water Treatment Plant which are located within the Head Office premises.