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.