UNESCO persuade Malawi journalists to inform on water issues

Malawi National Commission for UNESCO’s Executive Secretary, Francis Mkandawire, has said the media has a great role in keeping people informed on matters of water and supported the need to strengthen the capacity of the fourth estate. 

"We would like the media to help people keep pace with various efforts meant to improve access to and utilisation of water by keeping them adequately and correctly informed," said Mkandawire. 

He was speaking during a day-long meeting for mass media professionals on water issues in Lilongwe. 

Secretary for Water and Irrigation Andrina Mchiela said the government’s long term goal under the water sector is to ensure that water resources are well protected, utilised and managed to meet agricultural, domestic and industrial demands. 

"The media have a crucial role to play in disseminating information to the public on the need to conserve, utilise and manage water in our country," she said. 

Malawi placed water as the second key priority area after agriculture and food security under its Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS).