Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 11.1. A schematic map of
Malawi and bordering countries.
2.2
Water quality management - institutional aspects
The water sector in Malawi comprises several levels of responsibility that range from
national management policy to the construction, operation and the maintenance of water
supply structures and sanitation facilities. These levels of responsibility are assigned to
different government institutions and parastatal organizations. The Ministry of Water
Development is the key government institution responsible for water management
services and consists of four major sections - the Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Rural Water
Supply and Sanitation, and the Water Quality Sections. Other important organizations in
the management of water resources in Malawi are the National Water Resources Board
and the local Boards, namely the Blantyre and Lilongwe Water Boards, and the Northern,
Central and Southern Regions Water Boards.
The Hydrology Section is responsible for the collection, processing, analysis,
archiving and dissemination of hydrometric data. The section operates 171 gauging
stations throughout the country. Data collection has been going on since 1896. The major
constraint in the collection of hydrometric data is the poor state of equipment used at the
gauging stations.
The Hydrogeology Section is responsible for the monitoring, assessment, management
and exploration of groundwater resources. However, the Section is almost exclusively
engaged in borehole construction and borehole maintenance activities. Groundwater
monitoring, in terms of aquifer zoning and water quality assessment/management, are
