Salima, Malawi – October 6, 2025 — The Salima-Lilongwe water Supply Project is billed to end perennial water shortages to communities around Malawi’s Capital Lilongwe, Salima and Dowa Districts. But months into the 2 and a half-year project, communities along the pipeline project in Dowa can already breathe a sigh of relief after the contractor – Khato Civils – installed modern borehole facilities to provide clean, safe, and reliable water to dozens of villages around construction sites of Mvera and Katengeza.
This initiative, part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, is expected to alleviate the long-standing challenges of water scarcity in the areas as they wait for completion of the pipeline project.
Nelia Tchale, 45 of Mvera says for years, they have been drawing water from nearby Nsungudzu River for drinking, cooking and washing.
“Its like a dream to finally drink from a running tap” She marvelled.
“We have been drinking from the same river used by our livestock, this borehole by Khato gives us some dignity now” Tchale concluded.
On average, villagers around Mvera and Katengeza are drawing up to 10 000 litres of water per day from the boreholes, which were drilled and equipped with a solar-powered pump. The water tanks have way over 30 000 litres in capacity. Some of that water is used in the ongoing construction works under the Salima-Lilongwe water supply project.
Khato Civils Group Finance Director Pride Phiri emphasized the company’s commitment to improving the lives of Malawians through sustainable development initiatives.
“We believe that access to clean water is a basic human right. This borehole is a testament to our dedication to creating lasting, positive change in communities across Malawi,” Phiri stated.
The Salima-Lilongwe Water Project, a key infrastructure development endeavour, aims to address the critical water challenges faced by communities in the Salima and Lilongwe districts. The project, which is being financed by Malawi government and implemented by Khato Civils, has been praised for its innovative approach to addressing water scarcity in rural areas.