Deal done : Magwaya (right) and Mbewe (Left) pose after signing the MOU
The Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malawi Police Service (MPS) to enhance the protection of water infrastructure and combat vandalism.
The signing ceremony took place on March 7, 2025, at the National Police Headquarters.
Through this partnership, LWB will have dedicated police officers stationed within its premises at a newly established police unit to provide security and assist in handling related cases.
Speaking at the event as the Guest of Honour, Commissioner of Police responsible for Human Resources Management and Development Mrs. Violet Magwaya reaffirmed the MPS commitment to ensuring that all citizens have uninterrupted access to clean and safe water, free from the disruptions caused by theft and vandalism.
“It is our mandate to ensure that the equipment you use to supply the city with clean water remains safe. We will also ensure that offenders face the law and are prosecuted wherever they are apprehended,” she said.
She further assured that the officers assigned to LWB will be professional and act with integrity.
LWB Chief Executive Officer Mr. Silli Mbewe lamented the severe impact of vandalism and illegal water connections on the institution’s operations and revenue. “In the past four months alone, we have lost 2,000 water meters, costing us about 2 billion kwacha to replace,” he disclosed.
Mbewe also highlighted that, beyond vandalism, LWB is struggling with non-revenue water, which accounts for approximately 35% of total water production losses.
“Non-revenue water is lost through broken pipes, meter inaccuracies, and illegal connections, which have become rampant. Illegal connections alone account for about 10% of our losses, translating to approximately 7.5 billion kwacha annually,” he stated.
He further revealed that stolen water meters are being exported outside the country, fueling a growing black market. However, he expressed optimism that the officers—who began their work in January—will make significant progress in addressing the issue.
He also extended his appreciation to the Friends of Lilongwe Water Board, a group of well-wishers, community policing members, and other stakeholders whose tip-offs have led to the arrests of vandals and individuals involved in illegal water connections.
The signing ceremony was lively, featuring entertainment from the popular comedy duo Chindime and Phungwako and a traditional dance performance by the City Public Awareness Arts Group (CIAAPG).