Hon Minister of Defense, Dr Feston Kaupa M.P inspecting some prepaid meters

Southern Region Water Board on Wednesday 6 May 2026 officially handed over a fully rehabilitated MWK980,419,372.56 water reticulation system to the Ministry of Defence-Monkey Bay Navy, resolving years of water wastage and high bills at the Malawi Navy. The 12-month project, commissioned by the Ministry of Defence and implemented by SRWB, replaces a failing single-meter system with modern and accountable infrastructure serving the Malawi Navy Force.

The Malawi Navy operated on an old water distribution system which had one bulk meter supplying all staff houses. The arrangement caused uncontrolled usage, unmonitored leaks, and negligent wastage that the Ministry could not track.

Speaking as he officially handed over the project, SRWB Board Chairperson, Eng. Hutch Mthinda, said SRWB could not equitably supply other customers in Monkey Bay because significant volumes were lost through wastage because unaccounted for consumption meant revenue loss for the board.
“In some cases, payments through treasury bills from the Ministry of Defence took long to mature, affecting the board’s cash flow. Attempts to cash treasury bills through commercial banks incurred high fees, resulting in financial losses for the Board.” noted Mthinda.
He thanked Ministry of Defence for the trust placed in SRWB which he said is a testament to the strong relationship the two institutions have built.

Officially receiving the project was Minister of Defence Hon. Dr. Feston Kaupa who said the old system created unsustainable water bills that strained the Ministry’s limited resources as high bills exerted a lot of pressure on the overall Ministry’s budget.
Kaupa said this is why the Ministry of Defence rode on SRWB’s expertise and engaged them to rehabilitate the system and restore its efficiency.
He commended SRWB for professionalism, diligence, and quality workmanship throughout project implementation and for completing the works within the agreed 12 months and to certified standards whose scope included installation of a new main pipeline eliminating system losses and ensuring reliable supply to 104 prepaid navy staff houses.
The prepaid meters gives the Malawi Navy personnel direct control of water ending disputes over bills and eliminates wastage. The project also saw29 institutional facilities connected to post-paid meters.
“We are satisfied that the project has achieved its intended objectives as reliable safe water is now guaranteed for the navy.” Said Kaupa.
He added that the project fulfils Government’s commitment to improve welfare and infrastructure across MDF Units, in line with His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s vision.
This is SRWB’s third successful MDF project after Changalume Barracks in 2015 and Cobbe Barracks in 2022. The project also underscores the importance of adopting appropriate technologies like prepaid metering to promote efficiency, accountability, and sustainability.
SRWB noted that its newly operational Nkhudzi Bay Water Supply Scheme will further act as backup and improve coverage for Monkey Bay and surrounding areas. While SRWB has handed over the system to the Ministry of Defence as the asset owner, the Board will still provide technical backstopping.
Both parties urged users within the navy to safeguard the investment, use water responsibly, and report faults promptly. “This milestone was made possible by collective effort,” said the Minister. “Together, we have delivered infrastructure that enhances both the living and working conditions of our officers.”