Impact of the policy framework and institutional setup on urban water supply in Malawi: The case of the Lilongwe Water Board

Abstract

AbstractAccess to safe drinking water has been recognized as a basic human right globally by various international bodies and commissions. Sub‐Saharan Africa, in particular, has proven to have insufficient water access in the urban areas because population growth and rapid urbanization are overtaking the already inadequate infrastructure, and disparities in potable water availability are widespread. An enabling policy environment coupled with decentralization has been highlighted to positively affect water service delivery. The study examined the policy and institutional frameworks that exist for urban water supply in Malawi and their interactions with each other as well as with the water utility, Lilongwe Water Board. Data were collected through key informant interviews with officials from institutions involved in urban water supply and through literature review. Content analysis coupled with thematic analysis was used to analyze the data for key emerging themes. It was found that there is poor coordination between the board and the Lilongwe City Council, which is exacerbated by the existing conflicting policies on institutional roles and jurisdictions in urban water supply. Low participation in joint activities and the long bureaucratic process affect Lilongwe Water Boards' efforts of service delivery. There is a need for both a separate water supply policy and a regulatory body for water service delivery to ensure good water supply. Recommendations for future work on the setup of the water utility itself and the impact on urban water supply were also made.