LILONGWE WATER RESOURCE EFFICIENCY PROGRAMME

Medium-term investment programme to optimise available water resources, bridging the gap in water demand in Malawi's fast-growing capital city. The project's main components consist of upgrading a dam that is Lilongwe's primary water source, extending water-treatment works, reducing leakages and improving network management.

The objective of the project is to ensure adequate water availability for the population of Lilongwe until 2022 and beyond whilst a new long-term water supply dam is being constructed. Current water supply in Lilongwe is 62 000 m3/day, which is lower than the current demand of 78 000 m3/day and, therefore, water rationing has been imposed since 2012. The supply deficit is expected to worsen further with Lilongwe's population growing at over 4% per year.

Investment components are largely confined to replacement of existing pipes and extension of water-treatment facilities. Therefore the operation is unlikely to result in any significant negative social or environmental impact. The exception is the proposed raising of the existing Kamuzu Dam I by approximately five metres, which requires a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.

The Bank will require the promoter to ensure that the implementation of the project is done in accordance with the Bank's Guide to Procurement.