CHRR, Cedep query Malawi govt on water and electricity woes

The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) and Centre for Development of People (Cedep) are expressing great shock with what they say continued silence and failure by the Malawi government to address the devastating problem of water and electricity crisis in the cities of Blantyre and Lilongwe.

CHRR and Cedep executive directors Timothy Mtambo and Gift Trapence: Cosigned the statement
CHRR and Cedep executive directors Timothy Mtambo and Gift Trapence: Cosigned the statement

The two cities have recently been hit by water shortage and intermitted power outages. For instance, for two weeks now residents of Blantyre are going without a drop of water from the tap, despite claims by the Blantyre Water Board that it is distributing water through bowsers.

The electricity blackout has become the order of the day especially in the cities of Blantyre and Lilongwe, and there seems to be no feasible, lasting solution to the problems.

In a joint statement signed by CHRR and Cedep executive directors Timothy Mtambo and Gift Trapence respectively, the two human rights groups say they recognize the unrelenting efforts exerted by consumer rights activists, the media and concerned members of the public on government and the relevant bodies to resolve the crisis “ but such attempts have failed to yield any feasible response from government,”

On January 13 during demonstrations) Civil Society organizations working in the realm of human rights, governance, health and HIV/AIDS presented a petition to President Peter Mutharika through the relevant officials in which amongst other issues were demands on government to address the water and electricity crisis especially in the cities of Blantyre and Lilongwe.

“But till to-date the CSOs and the general public have not got any response from government let alone a confirmation of receipt of the petition by OPC on all the pressing issues raised in the petition including those pertaining to water and electricity crisis,” the statement reads.

“More shocking has been government’s business as usual approach (as expressed in its continued silence and use of propaganda on issues of national importance) to the whole saga a scenario that has only managed to sow seeds of discontent and displeasure in the public who have all along waited for the leadership’s swift and robust response to the crisis which can arguably be said to be another national disaster requiring special and urgent response,” the rights campaigners pointed out.

The organizations say as they appreciate government’s dedication, attention and remarkable efforts bent at addressing the current flood disaster which has negatively affected the country, they also realize that government has the constitutional and human rights obligations to protect and promote the rights to water and sanitation.

United Nations General Assembly has since 2010, recognized the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation and the Human Rights Council reaffirmed this recognition .

“It is therefore premised on such that any possible excuse that government is too committed with the current flood disaster to the extent that it cannot have time to look at other issues of national importance like the current electricity and water problems have no legal and human rights justification or basis.

“The fact that government is currently engrossed in addressing the current flood disaster does not necessary mean it has to suspend all, other, operations or governments’ business.

“That’s the reason why there are ministries, departments created to address various specific issues of national importance just to ensure progressive development.”

CHRR and Cedep have since asked government to adhere to its constitutional and human rights obligations by urgently addressing the current water and electricity crisis and save the nation.

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Hoitty
Hoitty
9 years ago

These are things you should be fighting for CSOs because they are human rights. Water is life and this issue has affected a lot of us. I think BWB and ESCOM are trying to subbotage DPP govt. These problems started way before floods. During the two years of Joyce Banda blackouts were forgotten and water supply was at least acceptable. When Peter took over blackouts and dry taps came back. Dausi investigate with your intelligence team. Saboteurs at these institutions

Charlie Hebdo
Charlie Hebdo
9 years ago

Floods shouldn’t be an excuse for substandard services. This is 21st Century, yet Malawi is experiencing blackouts and water shortages like nobody’s business in this era. Some people are clapping hands for this mediocrity, not that they can’t see anything wrong with the government or the two institutions, but because they have blue instead of grey matter in their heads. The arguments about floods would have made sense if the blackouts and water shortage started after the floods. But these problems started just after APM took over power. JB tried her best to reduce these problems. Why can’t APM swallow… Read more »

RiseUpMalawi
RiseUpMalawi
9 years ago

Lets rise up and hold demonstrations, water is free, yet when the water bill will come month end and we will a lot of money. The BWB and its government are full of shit, we should rise up against them this is not fair, I’d rather have no electricity than unclean water. WATER IS LIFE, we need it for our survival rot in hell Peter Mutharika and ur stupid administration!!!

Malawian
Malawian
9 years ago

This press statement is very empty, it lacks the structure analysis of why things seems not to improve at ESCOM and BMW. The two NGOs can you take some time to find out from workers of these two institutions to learn more about their woos and there after you should open your mouths.

Gunda Phiri Katsekaminga
Gunda Phiri Katsekaminga
9 years ago

Escom iyambenso kugawa magetsi pa ma Electricity bowser.

mcsosten chikwatula
mcsosten chikwatula
9 years ago

Angokupatsani boma mwezi umodzi ngati mungathe kulamulira. Chili kunzako, chigwire nyanga.

mphwanye
9 years ago

You guys What Have you done to address deforestation which has reduced infiltration and increased surface run-off leading to the floods? Chilichonse boma ?!

prosper mbemba
prosper mbemba
9 years ago

kodi agalu awa sanamve za ma floods? stupid

Mobile. com
9 years ago

Thump up CHRR and CEDEP.

Alex Likoswe
Alex Likoswe
9 years ago

water is life and therefore a human rights issue. Only goats and their cronnies will dispute this call by CSO. Blind loyalty will not help Malawi. Chilima, you seem to talk tough. Where are you on this water issue Mr Reformer. Iam waiting for Shit kapito to shit at Blantyre water board.

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