NWRA warns against illegal drilling of boreholes

By Linda Kwanjana

The National Water Resources Authority (NWRA), on Friday, July 21, 2023, gave a 90-day altimatum to all those with boreholes drilled illegally to declare with the authority.

Addressing the news conference in Lilongwe NWRA Chief Executive Officer Dwight Kambuku said anyone failing to declare will face the long arm of the law.

“Checking Water Quality Certificates: As part of the monitoring strategy, NWRA will closely scrutinize water quality certificates for boreholes. It is essential to ensure that the water extracted from these boreholes meets the required quality standards and does not pose health risks to consumers,” he said.

Dr Dwight Kambuku



The CEO said by implementing these corrective measures, the NWRA aims to enhance the management and
regulation of water resources in Malawi.

Dr Kambuku said “Through joint efforts with the media, stakeholders, and
the public, we can raise awareness about the importance of legal and sustainable water practices. Together, we can safeguard our water resources for the well-being and development of
all citizens,” he said.

Dr Kambuku said the move at the end of the day is to curb proliferation of Illegal water supply system in Malawi and avoiding putting lives of ordinary people in danger.

NWRA Chief Executive Officer Dwight Kambuku told the news conference in the capital Lilongwe that the move is to bring sanity in the water supply system, particularly on ground water.

Kambuku warned that any individuals and companies that will ignore the order face fines and imprisonment, among others.

He therefore emphasized the need to have regulated boreholes drilling for water drinking safety.

Established 2013 by Act of Parliament, the authority went through its operation in 2018.