Malawi plans water infrastructure investment
16 November 2011
Malawi's government has hired a British company to help it develop a water infrastructure strategy in the country, reports ESI Africa.
W S Atkins will work with the country's government to provide a framework for the implementation of economically, technically, environmentally and socially attractive infrastructure investments in the nation.
Chosen from six bidders vying for the contract, the British firm has been tasked with raising awareness over issues including preparation, financing, implementation and management of water infrastructure projects in Malawi.
Having received funds from the World Bank's International Development Agency for its national water development programme, the country's Ministry of Irrigation and Water Development has said it is looking at dam construction and hydropower projects on the Songwe, North Rukuru, Kasitu, Bua, Shire and Ruo rivers.
The African Union (AU) recently met to discuss the implementation of hydropower projects across the continent as part of the Hydro 2020 initiative.
Discussing the paradox between Africa's resources and its poverty, the summit said only a tiny amount of the continent's potential power has been harnessed.