Project Detail |
Mzuzu is the administrative city of the Northern Region of Malawi and one of the fastest growing urban centres with a growth rate of 5.4%. (NSO,2018). The city’s water supply is from Lunyangwa Dam which was designed to cater for year 2005 demand. Realizing that the dam is past its design capacity, and that soon Mzuzu city would face a water crisis, the Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) engaged a consultant,in 2008, to carry out feasibility studies and preliminary designs for a new water source. A new site was identified on the Lambilambi River in the Chikangawa Forest Reserve. However, because of financing challenges, the detailed designs have not been prepared to date. The non-availability of updated feasibility studies and the detailed designs has hampered funding prospects for the construction of the damand associated water supply infrastructure.This project,therefore, proposes the updating of the existing feasibility studies and the preparation of detailed designs and tender documents, to act as a leverage and catalyst for financing of the dam and water supply infrastructure development. Project Objectives The main objective of the project is to contribute to improved the health, productivity and economy of the communities in Mzuzu City, and surrounding areas, by increasing access to safe, sustainable water supply services through the development of a new water source and the construction of a water supply infrastructure including a water treatment plant.The expected outcomes of the project are: (i) Development of new water source; (ii)Improved efficiency and reliability of water supply.The main activities on the project will include updating of feasibility studies, preparation of detailed designs including cost estimates and tender documents for development of a new water source, water supply system to cater for year 2050 demand for Mzuzu City and the surrounding areas. Beneficiaries The Project is expected to directly benefit around 962,100 people through access to improved water supply in Mzuzu City and surrounding areas including parts of Mzimba Districtafter completion of the construction of the Damand the water supply infrastructure. Other indirect benefitsshall include employment opportunities during and after construction, improved livelihoods through catchment and climate resilience activities and improved socio-economic wellbeing. Other beneficiaries following the improvement of the water supply in the city will include hospitals and schools. |