By Wendy Mkandawire
The Malawi Government approved new tariff hikes for the country’s five water boards, effective August 7, 2026, with the Central Region Water Board recording the highest increase at 69.99% for domestic rates.
According to the water utilities, the increase has been attributed to rising costs of production, treatment chemicals, and infrastructure maintenance. The boards claim that the new tariffs will help ensure safe, sustainable, and reliable water delivery services.
For NRWB, domestic rates have gone up by 35.64%, while communal kiosk tariffs increased by 36.32%.
Other boards approved include the Central Region Water Board with a 69.99% domestic increase, Southern Region Water Board with a 50% increase, Blantyre Water Board with a 36% increase, and Lilongwe Water Board with a 20% increase.
Commenting on the matter, MEHN Executive Director George Jobe said the hike is contrary to the Sustainable Development Goals, which promote universal access to safe water.
Jobe said, despite rising production costs, authorities should have considered the challenges that come with a water price hike, underscoring that water is essential.
Meanwhile, the Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) has also expressed concern over repeated water tariff increases by the country’s water boards, saying that service delivery remains poor while many Malawians are already struggling with the high cost of living.
CAMA Executive Director John Kapito stated that consumers have experienced consistent water tariff hikes over the years without a corresponding improvement in the quality and reliability of water supply.
Kapito further highlighted that the increases have a direct impact on poor people.
The Ministry of Water Development has directed all boards to ensure the adjustments translate into improved service delivery, reduced non-revenue water loss, and upgraded infrastructure.
