In a collaborative effort to enhance water management practices, a delegation from Blantyre Water Board recently visited Central Region Water Board (CRWB) to glean insights into their innovative Turnaround Strategy, particularly focusing on reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) which reduced from 30% to 24%. The delegations were warmly welcomed by the Board chairman Mr. Eddison Mombera, the Chief Executive Officer, Engineer John Makwenda, Mr. Moses Chakana the board's Chair of Operations and Project Committees, among others.
Crafted in 2020 through a consultative process, CRWB's Turnaround Strategy underscores its commitment to fulfilling its mandate as stipulated in the Waterworks Act No. 17. This strategy is driven by a vision to deliver potable water and waterborne sanitation services efficiently, effectively, and with resilience across Malawi's central region.
During the visit, Mr. Moses Chakana, the Chair of Operations and Project Committees of CRWB, highlighted the board's overarching goal of "Unleashing Growth," which prioritizes business expansion through targeted investments to reach underserved communities and enhance service reliability for existing customers. Key strategies within this framework include the reduction of Non-Revenue Water, organizational performance improvement, implementation of cost-efficient initiatives, and the adoption of cost-reflective tariffs.
Notably, CRWB achieved remarkable financial success in the 2022/2023 fiscal year, recording a staggering 78% increase in revenue and a remarkable 293% surge in net profit, all achieved without a water tariff hike. The board’s Chief Executive Officer, Engineer John Makwenda said, this significant milestone was attributed to the relentless dedication and hard work of CRWB's employees, coupled with the effective expansion of clean water access, marked by the addition of 1,883 new water connections. Additionally, the board successfully reduced water loss from 30% to 24%, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable resource management.
The success story of CRWB serves as an inspiration for water management authorities nationwide, showcasing the transformative potential of strategic planning, operational efficiency, and employee commitment in achieving sustainable growth and service excellence. Through collaborative learning and adoption of best practices, water boards across Malawi can emulate CRWB's success, ensuring equitable access to clean water and sanitation services for all citizens.
