The Ministry of Water and Sanitation announces in a statement the commencement of free water connection effective Friday, 1st April 2022.

This follows the policy direction provided by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera in his announcement of the commencement of free water connection services.

“Traditionally, the Water Boards have been connecting customers upon receipt of connection fees. This system has, however, been a barrier for low-income households to access clean water and safe sanitation. As a result, among low-income households, there has been a high prevalence of water-borne diseases and poor school performance,” reads the statement in part.

The statement signed by Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia, further highlights that Government expects that following the new policy, the attainment of the aspirations in Malawi 2063 will be accelerated and the country will be on a steady path to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring ‘Clean Water and Safe Sanitation for All’ by 2030.

Mia communicates in the statement that Government has formulated guidelines, which will be outlined at a press briefing to be held next week Tuesday and which all Water Boards will follow and make available to consumers