Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
therefore basically non-existent. By the year 2000, there were more than 20,000
boreholes countrywide.
The Water Quality Section is responsible for the monitoring and assessment of the
physical, chemical and biological aspects of the water quality. The Section also conducts
inspections on pollution levels in effluent and wastes discharged in public waters. The
major setback to the assessment of water quality is the inadequacy of laboratory
equipment for conducting the analyses, the insufficient training of the laboratory staff,
and an acute shortage of equipment for use in water sampling programmes. The analyses
of various water quality parameters are therefore carried out using the little equipment
available and in conjunction with other laboratories.
The Water Resources Boards oversee policies as outlined in the Water Resources Act
and other regulations. Furthermore, the Boards collaborate with other institutions
responsible for the environmental monitoring and control on water resource management
issues. The National Water Resources Board comprises of the following members:
• The chairperson;
• The Secretary for the Ministry of Water Development;
• The Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet;
• A representative from the Water Resources Division of the Ministry of Water
Development;
• The secretary responsible for Commerce, Trade and Industry;
• The Chief executive of the Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi, and;
• Four other members representing the public.
Apart from the Water Quality Section of the Ministry of Water Development, the five
water Boards have set up their own Water Quality sections, which look into the day-to-
day monitoring activities of the water from its source to the consumer. The Lilongwe
Water Board has a well-developed water quality laboratory and is able to carry out both
chemical and biological analyses including trace elements.
The enforcement of laws governing water resources in Malawi rests with the Water
Resources Boards. These laws are outlined in the Water Resources Act along with
Pollution Control and other regulations. The Act provides for the granting of water rights
such as diversion, storage, abstraction and use of public water in specified quantities.
Under the Act, the Minister responsible for water resources is empowered to punish all
users of water that contravene the regulations. To ensure that the Water Resources Act is
complied with by all users of public water resources, the Board has been entrusted with
the authority to monitor the adherence to water regulations without discrimination.
Although the Act calls for the implementation of punitive measures against users that
contravene the regulations, the Board has been seen to be ineffective in punishing
offenders and conducting monitoring works. For example, no punitive measures have
been taken against people who have opened maize gardens in the water catchment areas.
The local Water Boards help in the enforcement of laws and regulations through bylaws.
Each water board enforces its own by-laws that cover the whole range of water resources
management practices among which is the management of water quality.
