Malawi - Nkhata Bay Town Water Supply and Sanitation

The proposed project aims at increasing access to clean water and improved sanitation in Nkhata Bay Town and surrounding areas. Nkhata Bay Town has been expanding with prospects for further growth. It is a key centre for the Mtwara Development Corridor connecting the countries of Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia. The Town is a port on Lake Malawi and is a main link on Mtwara Development Corridor, a reason for which the Bank is supporting the Mzuzu to Nkhata Bay Road Upgrading. Lack of adequate water and sanitation services will therefore be a constraint for improvement of the quality of life and socio-economic development of the area. Access is estimated at an average of 37% for water supply and 45% for sanitation in the project beneficiary area, lower than national averages. The project will address the infrastructural bottlenecks that have negatively affected increased socio-economic and private sector growth and investment, while also supporting investments that enable resilience building in the country. This will also facilitate the development of the planned infrastructure and complement to improve trade and business facilitation in the Town, Mzuzu City and surrounding areas. The project will also assist to sustainably manage the country’s water resources particularly for Nkhata River and to improve community resilience to climate change and variability. It comprises the following three components: (i) Water Infrastructure Development; (ii) Sanitation and Hygiene Improvement; and (iii) Institutional Capacity Building and Project Management. The project is planned to be implemented in 48 months beginning in January 2019 with financing of UA10.5 million.