An assessment of public participation strategies in the provision of water in Malawi: the case study of Blantyre water board

Abstract

The key focus of this study is the assessment of the effectiveness of public participation strategies in the provision of water in Malawi, through the case study of the Blantyre Water Board (BWB). After a thorough literature review, it has been noted that this is the first research of its kind in the analysis of public participation as a social problem facing water users in Malawi. The provision of water is a basic right for every citizen and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that each and every Malawian has access to clean water. This being the case, it is also a constitutional right for every citizen to participate in the water related activities and decisions affecting them. It is also the responsibility of water utilities to allow water users access to information as only an informed public is able to make informed decisions regarding their needs. This research aimed to assess the extent to which the BWB public participation strategies have contributed towards the sustainability of public involvement in water programmes or projects in general. From the findings, it was noted that the public participation strategies used by the BWB have not contributed to the sustainability of the water projects. It was further revealed that there is not much public involvement taking place between the BWB and its beneficiaries which has created an obvious gap, as per the findings. The research also aimed to identify major challenges affecting public participation in the provision of water in the Blantyre City Assembly in Malawi. It was noted, from the respondents' responses that the major challenges are poor management and administrative styles; political interference and lack of community sensitization. It would be advisable for the BWB to take cognizance of the results and concerns of this study in an effort to improve and ensure effective service delivery as stipulated in the Malawi National Water Policy which is a guiding policy framework for all water utilities.