20.1 Overview
Water and sanitation are fundamental human rights, critical to public health,
economic development, and environmental sustainability. However, Malawi
faces significant challenges in these sectors, hindering progress toward national
development goals. Despite some progress, many Malawians, particularly in rural
areas, lack access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities, perpetuating
cycles of poverty and disease.
Aligned with MW2063’s Urbanization and Human Capital Development Pillars,
as well as enablers like Governance, Technology Adoption, and Environmental
Sustainability, UTM’s water and sanitation agenda aims to transform these
essential services into pillars of national prosperity.
20.2 Current Challenges
- Limited Access to Clean Water: Approximately 26% of rural households lack
access to basic drinking water services, while urban households face erratic
water supplies. - Inadequate Sanitation Facilities: Over 54% of rural households lack basic
sanitation, with ur ban sewer coverage below 5% - Aging Infrastructure: Water and sanitation infrastructure is outdated and poorly
maintained, leading to inefficiencies and environmental pollution. - Climate Vulnerability: Severe watershed degradation and climate change
exacerbate water scarcity and quality issues. - Fragmented Governance: Weak regulatory frameworks and insufficient
community engagement hinder effective water and sanitation management.
20.3 Target Milestones
By 2035, UTM aims to:
- Achieve universal access to clean drinking water and improved sanitation
facilities. - Ensure 100% piped water coverage in urban areas and at least 70% in rural areas.
- Reduce waterborne diseases by 80% through enhanced sanitation and hygiene
education. - Increase urban sewerage coverage to 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2040.
- Protect and rehabilitate 70% of major watersheds to ensure sustainable water
resources.
20.4 UTM Pledges: Transforming Water and Sanitation
19.4.1 Infrastructure Development
Alignment with MW2063: Advances
Environmental Sustainability and
ensures equitable service delivery. - Urban Water Systems: Modernize
and expand urban water networks for
reliable, treated water access. - Rural Water Projects: Deploy solarpowered, community-based water
schemes to eliminate reliance on
boreholes. - Integrated Sewer Systems: Build sewer
networks in urban areas, targeting 50%
coverage by 2030. - Affordable Rural Solutions: Introduce
eco-friendly sanitation options, such
as biogas toilets, for rural households
20.4.2 Climate Resilience and Resource Management
Alignment with MW2063: Supports Environmental Stewardship and ensures
sustainable water resource management.
- Watershed Rehabilitation: Restore degraded watersheds, on all the main rivers.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Promote rainwater harvesting for domestic and
agricultural use. - Flood-Resilient Infrastructure: Build infrastructure designed to withstand climate
shocks like floods and droughts.
20.4.3 Community Engagement and Education
Alignment with MW2063: Enhances Governance by involving citizens in sustainable
resource management. - Hygiene Campaigns: Launch nationwide campaigns to promote hygiene and
sanitation best practices. - Community Custodianship: Empower local communities to manage and protect
water sources sustainably. - School Programs: Implement water and sanitation programs in schools to
improve attendance and reduce diseases.
20.4.4 Technology and
Innovation
Alignment with MW2063:
Leverages Technology
Adoption for efficiency and
transparency.
- Digitized Water Services:
Introduce online platforms
for bill payments, water
usage monitoring, and
service requests. - Smart Infrastructure: Use
data analytics to optimize
water distribution and
track resource usage. - Renewable Energy
Solutions: Power water
and sanitation systems
with renewable energy,
such as solar
20.4.5 Policy and Governance Reforms
Alignment with MW2063: Strengthens Governance for effective service delivery.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Modernize policies to enhance transparency and
accountability in water and sanitation sectors. - Public-Private Partnerships: Foster PPPs to co-finance infrastructure projects and
service delivery improvements. - Decentralized Management: Empower district councils and DDAs to oversee local
water and sanitation initiatives.
20.5 Expected Outcomes - Universal Access: Every Malawian will have access to clean water and dignified
sanitation facilities by 2030. - Public Health Improvements: A significant reduction in waterborne diseases will
boost productivity and reduce healthcare costs. - Economic Growth: Reliable water and sanitation services will attract investment,
enhance agriculture, and improve quality of life. - Environmental Sustainability: Restored watersheds and efficient resource
management will ensure long-term water security. - Empowered Communities: Local communities will become active stewards of
water and sanitation resources.
20.6 Estimated Investments and Funding Mechanisms
Estimated Investment: $1–2 billion over the
next decade to provide clean water to every
household.
Proposed Funding Sources: - National Budget Allocation: Dedicate 5% of the
national budget to water and sanitation. - Leveraging NGO Funding: Malawi is home
to several Water and Sanitation NGOs. UTM
pledges to foster a highly coordinated
approach with these organizations to ensure
their resources are utilized efficiently and
effectively toward targeted projects, enabling
them to achieve their goals while contributing
to national priorities. - Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private entities to co-finance
infrastructure projects. - Climate Financing: Access international funds for climate-resilient water and
sanitation systems. - Diaspora Bonds: Mobilize resources from Malawians abroad to fund large-scale
projects. - Development Loans and Grants: Partner with international organizations for
concessional loans and targeted grants. - Smart Water Billing for improved revenue collections
Conclusion
Water and sanitation are cornerstones of a healthy, prosperous, and equitable
society. Aligned with MW2063’s Environmental Sustainability and Human Capital
Development Pillars, UTM’s comprehensive plan addresses systemic challenges
while laying the groundwork for universal access by 2030.
Under UTM leadership, Malawi will transform its water and sanitation landscape,
ensuring no one is left behind in the journey toward a healthier, more sustainable
future. Together, we will build a nation where every citizen has the dignity of clean
water and safe sanitation.
