Malawi to drill boreholes

Malawi's Ministry of Irrigation and Water Development has embarked on a project that would result in the drilling of 360 boreholes.

This is in line with the objectives of government of uplifting the socio economic status of people in the rural areas as articulated in the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS).

According to a statement from the ministry, the project is funded by the Netherlands government through Unicef to the tune of US$ 16.9 million. “We are currently inviting tenders from eligible contractors for the construction of boreholes,” reads part of the statement from the ministry.

The successful bidders are expected to pay K5000 or its equivalent in a freely convertible currency and if successful they will be asked to provide a performance bond of no more than 10 percent of the contract price, the statement says.

The ministry plans to construct 73 boreholes in the North, 199 in Central Region and 88 in the South and would expand to other areas funds permitting.

The development comes hot on the heels of another financial boost of about US$47 million from Africa Development Bank (AfDB) for the implementation of National Water Development Programme.

The Daily Times