The Blantyre Water Board (BWB) has suspended its Chief Executive Officer, Yeremia Chihana, with immediate effect, pending a disciplinary hearing into a series of serious allegations that have shaken the institution’s leadership.
MP Yeremiah Chihana
Confirmation of the suspension came from BWB Board Chairperson, Stanley Chirwa, who said the decision was reached during an extraordinary meeting of the board’s Human Resources and Administrative Committee held on April 27, 2026.
According to the official suspension letter, the board invoked Clause 9.5 (b) of the Staff Services Regulations to remove Chihana from his position while investigations are underway.
“The Board of Directors of Blantyre Water Board resolved to suspend you with immediate effect… pending the determination of a disciplinary hearing,” reads part of the letter.
At the center of the case are multiple allegations of misconduct and abuse of office.
One of the most serious claims is that Chihana allegedly caused the arrests and detention of acting directors within the institution without the knowledge or approval of the board. This move is said to have raised alarm among board members, who view it as a breach of governance procedures and an overreach of executive authority.
In addition, Chihana is accused of making unilateral public pronouncements on key operational matters without board approval. These include statements that BWB would:
Provide free water through kiosks in areas affected by cholera
Write off arrears owed by kiosk operators in cholera-affected communities
While such measures may appear humanitarian in nature, insiders say the concern lies in the lack of consultation and formal approval, especially given the financial and policy implications of such decisions.
The embattled CEO is also facing allegations of allowing unauthorized individuals access to sensitive BWB spaces and resources. These reportedly include:
Board premises
Internal documents
Official meetings
Institutional vehicles
Such actions, if proven, could constitute serious breaches of institutional security and governance protocols.
The suspension marks the beginning of a formal disciplinary process, during which Chihana is expected to respond to the allegations before a final determination is made.
Meanwhile, the development raises broader concerns about leadership stability and governance at the Blantyre Water Board, a critical public institution responsible for water supply services in Malawi’s commercial capital.
As the case unfolds, attention will be on how the board balances accountability with continuity of service delivery, particularly at a time when reliable water supply remains essential for public health and economic activity.
Further updates are expected as the disciplinary proceedings progress.
