The major project challenge is the timely sourcing of project finances.
Mombezi Multi‐purpose Dam (Project P1‐5)
The Blantyre Water Board (BWB) is responsible for the water supply to Blantyre and the surrounding
peri‐urban areas. Currently the city is experiencing a major water shortage, which will be mitigated
by building the Mombezi Multi‐purpose Dam in the Shire River Basin. The dam would be able to
store 69.5 x 106 m3 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.
The project proponent is the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Development in Malawi, with the
Blantyre Water Board being the project's implementing agent. 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. 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 then start in 2014 and will be completed by 2019.
The estimated total project costs are US$210 million. The project can be considered to be in Phase 5
of the ICA Project Development Phases. A possible project financier is the World Bank.
The major project challenge is the timely sourcing of project finances for constructing the dam.
Water Supply to 13 Housing Estates in Mauritius (Project P1‐6)
In the wake of two severe hurricanes, which hit the Island in 1960 and 1975, the Government of
Mauritius received grant assistance from the USAid Agency and the European Development Fund for
the construction of some 164 housing estates comprising of about 75,000 housing units to provide
shelter to the cyclone victims. The housing estates were established wherever land was available,
regardless of amenities. A roof to the desperate household was what mattered at that moment. To
eliminate health standards, standpipes were gradually provided to each housing estate. Ultimately
each housing unit has to be provided with an individual water connection.
The project aims at upgrading the potable water supply infrastructure at some 13 housing estates
numbering 3 550 housing units. The resident population of these housing units is estimated at
around 15 000 people. A reliable water supply and sanitation would, no doubt, improve their
standard of living. The total storage to be created for this project will be 22.2 x 106 m3.
The project proponent is the Central Water Authority. Detailed designs are being undertaken by the
Central Water Authority and will be completed by the end of 2012. Sourcing of funds 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 2015.
The estimated total project costs are US$11 million. The project can be considered to be in Phase 5 of
the ICA Project Development Phases. Possible project financiers are the European Development Fund
and USAID.
The major project challenge is the timely sourcing of project finances for construction.
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