The Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) Board and management conducted an official site visit to the Karonga Town Water Supply Project, implemented by the Northern Region Water Board (NRWB). The project, which commenced in March 2021 and concluded in June 2024, is co-financed by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), OPEC Fund, and the Malawi Government (GoM), with a total project cost of USD 32.7 million, excluding additional price escalation costs.

During the visit, the PPDA Board, led by the Chairperson Jacob Nyirongo, had the opportunity to assess the progress of the water supply works, which aim to provide reliable potable water to Karonga Town and its surrounding areas. 

This strategic project according to NRWB's Chief Executive Officer, Francis Munthali, aligns with both the Malawi 2063 vision and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring improved water access for over 184,000 beneficiaries by the year 2040. Mr. Munthali said the project’s scope included the rehabilitation and expansion of the existing water supply system, increasing the capacity of the water treatment plant from 12,000 to 30,000 cubic meters per day. "Additionally, over 250 kilometers of water distribution pipelines were installed, alongside 38 kilometers of water transmission pipelines, five storage tanks with a total capacity of 10,500 cubic meters, and 45 communal water points" he concluded.

The Director General of the PPDA, Dr. Chilapondwa expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the project, highlighting the critical role of PPDA in ensuring value for money in public procurement. "As a stakeholder, PPDA is dedicated to ensuring that all procurements are conducted efficiently and transparently. This visit has allowed us to contextualize and appreciate the impact of our procurement decisions on national development projects," he said.

Weighing in on the issue, the Board Chairperson of the PPDA Mr. Nyirongo commended NRWB for delivering the project to the people of Karonga. "While the Board makes all procurement decisions objectively, this visit has provided us with valuable insight into how our decisions support the achievement of national goals, particularly in improving access to clean and potable water for communities in Karonga," he remarked.

PPDA's oversight and involvement in projects such as the Karonga Town Water Supply Project reinforce the Authority’s commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement processes, ensuring that public resources are used to improve the lives of all Malawians.