Water infrastructure is more than pipes, boreholes and storage tanks. Its real value is measured by the difference it makes in people’s everyday lives.

On 24 September 2026, the second PWASHE meeting was held in Chipata, Eastern Province, bringing together stakeholders from the water, sanitation and development sector.

Eastern Water and Sanitation Company Limited (EWSC) was represented by Director Engineering, Eng. December Banda, who presented an update on infrastructure development projects being implemented in Chipata, highlighting progress, challenges and the expected impact on communities.

Progress on Chipata Water Infrastructure

A key highlight was the Chipata Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project, funded by the KfW Development Bank. As of September 2026, the project had recorded 37% physical progress, with approximately 29 kilometres of pipeline installed. The project targets an estimated 160,000 people and is expected to contribute to a 15% reduction in Non-Revenue Water (NRW) through network rehabilitation and replacement.

The presentation also highlighted the CDF-funded water projects in Magazine, Mchini and Chimwemwe. These interventions include production boreholes, storage infrastructure, distribution networks and public water kiosks, with the projects targeting thousands of residents in the respective communities.

Addressing Challenges Through Collaboration

The implementation of infrastructure projects also comes with challenges. Land acquisition and access constraints have affected some of the CDF-funded interventions, including access to borehole sites. EWSC continues to engage relevant stakeholders to address these challenges and facilitate the completion of outstanding works.

The projects are ultimately about more than construction. They are intended to improve water availability, reliability and access for communities across Chipata.

As highlighted in the presentation, the focus is to resolve access challenges, complete the works, commission the infrastructure and deliver improved water services.