LWB urge Dzalanyama communities to protect trees for water conservation
By Martha Chikoti
The Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) has urged communities around Dzalanyama catchment area to care for the trees planted in the area to support water conservation.
Chairperson for the utility body, Prophet Dr. David Mbewe made the call on Friday during tree planting Eexercise for the 2025/2026 season, held at Sinyala in Dzalanyama water catchment area, under the theme “Trees for Water Conservation, Water for Life.”
Mbewe emphasized that replenishing trees in bare lands is everyone’s duty and critical for the board to continue supplying water to the people and help sustain the supply for the future generation.
“Our tree planting efforts are being implemented across Ndumira, Sinyala, Chisauka, Mamina, Manyenje, Mbalame, Gunde, Katepeka, and Dzodze villages, the site covers 14.6 hectares, while the total mapped area for restoring this season is 153 hectares and the work is still ongoing”, he explained
He noted that 350,000 tree seedlings have been planted across various locations since the campaign’s launch on December 14, 2025. On Friday, the board planted 4,000 seedlings, including 1,000 fruit trees.
Senior Chief Masumbankhunda commended LWB and pledged to protect the trees, warning that anyone failing to do so will face consequences.
On his part, Lilongwe Msinja South Constituency legislator, Peter Dimba said the Dzalanyama Dam which is operated by the LWB benefit surrounding areas with clean water. He however asked the board to construct some of the damaged bridges for improved access to the area, especially for students who struggle to cross the rivers when going to or returning from school.
Last season, the Board planted 250,000 tree seedlings, which achieved 71% survival rate.
Malingunde Water Supply Scheme was implied to provide the people of Malingunde with safe and potable water. The project was successfully completed in mid-2025, and the Board has since commenced individual household connections in the area.
The Board has also constructed nineteen (19) communal water kiosks within the Malingunde area under the project, benefiting the communities of Malingunde proper, Nsija, and Sinyala.
The kiosks ensure that every household, regardless of income level, has access to clean and safe drinking water.