PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN NON-REVENUE WATER MANAGEMENT: A CASE OF NAMIYANGO AND CHIGUMULA, BLANTYRE

High Non-Revenue Water (NRW) rates still remain high in most water utility companies despite various technical solutions such as pipe, meter replacement and pressure management. This study assessed public participation in NRW management and their perception towards NRW management to uncover public knowledge, concerns and action towards NRW reduction. Descriptive survey research design was used to collect data to answer questions concerning public participation in NRW management. The study used purposive sampling technique to select study areas, Namiyango and Chigumula, and simple random sampling to select respondents. A sample size of 86, 43 Chigumula and 43 Namiyango, was determined for the study. Questionnaires and one on one discussions were used to collect data which was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Results showed that the majority of the respondents from Chigumula (81.6%) and Namiyango (62.2%) have the knowledge of NRW, deem that both the public and individuals have responsibility in NRW reduction. Water loss through pipe leaking or burst at the road, water loss through meter inaccuracy at home and water loss through Illegal pipe connection were major public concerns in Namiyango and Chigumula as they were either very serious or somewhat serious problems. Despite the concerns, only a very few reported water loss issues to Blantyre Water Board (BWB). This is implicated to the process for making such a report and the majority not having BWB hotline.

High Non-Revenue Water (NRW) rates still remain high in most water utility companies despite various technical solutions such as pipe, meter replacement and pressure management. Results showed that the majority of the respondents from Chigumula (81.6%) and Namiyango (62.2%) have the knowledge of NRW, deem that both the public and individuals have responsibility in NRW reduction. Water loss through pipe leaking or burst at the road, water loss through meter inaccuracy at home and water loss through Illegal pipe connection were major public concerns in Namiyango and Chigumula as they were either very serious or somewhat serious problems. Key words: Public participation, Non-Revenue Water, leakage, burst pipes

The study was conducted in the areas of Namiyango and Chigumula. Both areas are located in Blantyre City. Blantyre is geographically located at 15° 47' S, 35° 0' E in the southern region of Malawi and it is the second largest capital urban center located 311 kilometers southeast of the national capital, Lilongwe (Tembo, 2016). The areas were chosen because of their large differences in NRW rates. Using information given by Blantyre water Board, Namiyango’s NRW rate reached as high as 50 percent in the month of May, while Chigumala recorded only 10 percent NRW in the similar month. The areas are also characterized by water leakages in main supply, vandalism of supply pipes and leakages in mostly household connection pipes. Blantyre Water Board has been sensitizing people in the city to report vandalisms, faults, leakages, unauthorized water connection and the essence of conserving water. It is in this regard that it was crucial to conduct the study in the two areas in order to determine public awareness on NRW, actions taken when observed any NRW issue, public concern on NRW and means of reducing the NRW in the area. Again, the area was also selected because of its proximity and accessibility.

Traditional authority: Blantyre City

District: Blantyre

Coordinates: -15.7955, 35.04405