Malawi Police in tit-for-tat with BWB for disconnecting water

Malawi Police have impounded 16 Blantyre Water Board vehicles in retaliation to the board’s decision to disconnect water due to unpaid bills amounting to K340 million.

Blantyre Water Board (BWB) publicist Priscilla Mateyu confirmed the disconnection of water at Kanjedza Police Training and Mount Pleasant Police quarters where senior officers reside.

“We disconnected the water after lengthy discussions and several reminders,” said Mateyu.

She said the water bills is an accumulation of between six to 12 months.

Mateyu said it was unfortunate that the police decided to impound the vehicles in retaliation.

“They impounded the vehicles on very flimsy reasons, for instance a small worn out tyre, they just wanted to punish us,” said Mateyu.

Blantyre Police deputy publicist Beatrice Mituka confirmed the vehicles are parked at the police station.

“We impounded them on various traffic offences, this has nothing to do with the water disconnections,” she said.

Most government departments including the police are facing severe budget cuts by Capital Hill due to financial problems the government is failing

. Blantyre Water Board also complained that it pays half of what it collects every month to Escom.