Community based management for sustainable water supply in Malawi

Poor management of water and sanitation resources are impediments to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). MDG targets met with high breakdown rate of water points will be meaningless. Much as coverage of safe water is estimated at 72% in Malawi, nearly 30% are not functional at any given time. Community based management (CBM) approach is the answer to achieve sustained beneficial outcomes. This paper aims to provide water professionals with knowledge on how CBM works from Malawi’s own experience using Mpira/Balaka Piped Water Supply Scheme as a case example. Experience-Sharing Workshops, earlier analyses documented by the Government of Malawi, other recent publications supplemented by author’s own personal experience informed the study. Engaging the communities in all stages of the development project is seen as practical solution to meet meaningful MDG targets especially in the developing world. In conclusion, CBM works very well and has multiplier effect on rural development.