Project title
Mombezi Multi‐purpose Dam (Project P1‐5)
Project sponsors
The project proponent is the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Development in Malawi,
with the Blantyre Water Board being the project's implementing agent.
Participating countries
Malawi
Objectives
To construct Mombezi Multi‐purpose Dam, which is to provide raw water supply for
Blantyre and surrounding areas for the purposes of domestic use, industrial use,
irrigation and fishing.
Project description
The Blantyre Water Board (BWB) is responsible for the water supply to the city and
the surrounding peri‐urban areas. Currently Blantyre is experiencing a major water
shortage, which will be mitigated by building the Mombezi Multi‐purpose Dam in the
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Shire River Basin. The dam would be able to store 69.5 x 10 m of water to supply
water for drinking and sanitation purposes, irrigation and for the development of
fisheries. The construction of the Mombezi Multi‐purpose Dam is the first phase in the
development of Blantyre’s new Raw Water Supply Scheme.
It is estimated that the project will supply 100 000 people with a safe water supply
and sanitation service, while also irrigating 500 hectares.
Expected results
Improved access to safe and clean water by citizens; and
Increased economic benefits to farmers living around the site.
Ongoing related activities in the Similar efforts in other SADC Member States pursuant to meeting the MDG targets on
region
water supply and sanitation services.
Description of national plan to the The project is in line and with guidance from the Water Works Act, 1995, National
project
Water Policy, 2005, and Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS 2011‐16).
Detailed designs and ESIA studies are underway and funded by the World Bank to the
amount of US$4.35 million. This work is expected to be complete by 2012.
Status
The project can be considered to be in Phase 5 of the ICA Project Development
Phases.
Next steps
Sourcing of funds for constructing the dam and associated infrastructure and
tendering for construction will be done in 2013. Implementation and construction of
the associated project components is expected to start in 2014 and will be completed
by 2019.
Business model
PPP
Main parties in place
Blantyre Water Board, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, city
and district councils, Malawi Institution of Engineers and ESCOM
Main parties to be procured
Possible project financier is the World Bank.
Project challenges
The major project challenge is the timely sourcing of project finances for constructing
the dam.
Project documentation available
World Bank. 2010. Feasibility studies and preliminary design for Blantyre’s Raw Water
Source and other purpose. Feasibility study report.
Intervention requiring financing
Project to be presented for financing during the planned 1st SADC Infrastructure
Investment Summit and Conference to be held in the last quarter of 2012.
Revenues for financing repayment
This is an infrastructure investment project, which will raise sufficient revenue to
repay any loans procured for implementing the project.
Estimated total cost
The estimated total project costs are US$210 million.
Execution period
After project funding and tendering is completed in 2013, the project will be
undertaken from 2014 to 2019.
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