Wesnetwork-Water and Environmental Sanitation Network

21/04/2026

Last week, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation facilitated the launch of the Implementation Plan for Executive Order No. 2 of 2026 on Sanitation and Hygiene which is a critical step toward translating policy into action in Malawi.

The Executive Order mandates the provision and maintenance of sanitation and waste disposal facilities in public places including schools, hospitals, markets and workplaces—reinforcing that access to hygiene is not a privilege, but a right.

The launch of the implementation plan signals progress. But the real test lies ahead and as WESNET, we see this as a call to action for all stakeholders:

✔️ Local authorities must ensure facilities are installed and maintained at all times
✔️ Institutions and businesses must comply fully with the order
✔️ Communities must demand and protect these services
✔️ Civil society must actively monitor, document and hold duty bearers accountable

We further urge government to ensure adequate resourcing, clear coordination mechanisms and strong enforcement to drive meaningful change on the ground.

Clean, safe and dignified sanitation is essential to preventing disease, protecting lives and advancing development.

From policy to practice. This is the moment for action.

Below are some of the highlights of the launch.

01/04/2026

Yesterday, WESNET joined Government, development partners and communities in Liwonde, Machinga District to commemorate this year's World Water Day under the theme “Water and Gender.”

The event, graced by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, honourable Thoko Tembo, MP, highlighted an important reality that is often overlooked: water is not gender-neutral.

Across Malawi, women and girls continue to bear the greatest burden of water collection, often walking long distances to access water, sometimes from unsafe sources. This daily struggle affects their health, limits opportunities for education and economic participation and exposes them to risks that undermine their dignity and safety.

At the event, there was also a launch of the Balaka–Liwonde Water Supply Project which marks a significant step toward addressing these challenges.

Currently, only about 45% of the population in Liwonde and Balaka has access to piped water services. Once completed, the project is expected to achieve 100% coverage, bringing safe and reliable water closer to communities and easing the burden on households .

Speaking at the event, WESNET Central Region Chapter vice chairperson Phillip Chidawati emphasised the need to ensure that water, sanitation and hygiene services are designed with women and girls at the centre. This includes investing in safe and inclusive infrastructure, promoting women’s participation in decision-making and strengthening accountability across the WASH sector.

He said: "When we invest in gender-responsive WASH, we are not only improving access to services — we are improving health, restoring dignity, and creating opportunities for communities to thrive. Let us continue working together to ensure that no one is left behind."

Annually, the day is commemorated on 22 March.

Below are some of the highlights courtesy of from Water For People Malawi.

22/03/2026

When water is accessible, women and girls thrive.
This World Water Day, we call for equal access to water as a foundation for dignity, opportunity and gender equality.
💧 Where water flows, equality grows.

17/03/2026

We are proud to have been part of the team supporting the launch of the national Time To Deliver Campaign led by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation in partnership with WaterAid Malawi.

This important initiative highlights the critical role of safe water, sanitation and hygiene in protecting mothers, newborns and frontline health workers. Strengthening WASH in health facilities is key to reducing preventable infections and maternal deaths.

As WESNET, we remain committed to working with partners to advance inclusive, sustainable and accountable WASH services for all.

12/03/2026

Safe water, sanitation and hygiene are not luxuries—they are essential for health, education, gender equality and economic growth.

Through this statement, WESNET urges stronger prioritisation and financing of WASH in the 2026–2027 National Budget to ensure sustainable and inclusive development in Malawi.

04/03/2026

The WESNET Policy and Advocacy Thematic Working Group met today to review the 2025 advocacy plan and chart the way forward for 2026.

Members agreed to maintain strong focus on WASH financing and sector accountability, recognising that sustainable investment and effective oversight are critical to improving water, sanitation and hygiene services across Malawi.

Together, we continue to strengthen civil society advocacy for the WASH sector.

03/03/2026

Today, WESNET joins the nation in remembering the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for Malawi’s independence.

As we honour their courage, let us recommit ourselves to building a nation where dignity, equity and essential services like safe water and sanitation are accessible to all.

💧 Freedom Must Include Access to Safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.
🤝 Together, let us continue building a resilient and inclusive Malawi.

25/02/2026

One of our members, BASEDA, in partnership with Water For People, is implementing the WaSH Systems for Health Programme in TA Maseya, Chikwawa District, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

In the photo, Programme Officer Davis Makhoza engages Water Point Committee members in Mukholi Village as part of efforts to strengthen rural water supply systems. Through the Area Mechanic Approach, BASEDA continues to promote sustainable repair and maintenance of rural water infrastructure in pursuit of SDG 6.

Basic Services Development Agency (BASEDA) is in partnership with Water for People implementing a WaSH Systems for Health Program in Traditional Authority Maseya in Chikwawa district with support from FCDO.

In the picture, BASEDA Program Officer, Davis Makhoza was engaging with water point committee members in Mukholi village in pursuit of SDG #6.

BASEDA is championing rural Water supply Professionalised repair and maintenance in the area. Area mechanic approach is a sustainable model in dealing with repair and maintenance of rural water supply and was introduced by BASEDA and its development partner InterAide from way back in 2006 and has been introduced in over 16 districts.

15/01/2026

As we commemorate John Chilembwe Day, we honour a legacy rooted in freedom, dignity and justice. Inspired by his courage, we renew our commitment to advocating for safe water, sanitation and hygiene for all Malawians. Indeed,
Freedom begins with dignity. Act for WASH. Act for All💧

25/12/2025

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from us to you.....

05/12/2025

What a wonderful week for the WESNET family! 💙

Our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday brought together members from across the country to reflect, learn and strengthen our collective commitment to ensuring that every Malawian enjoys safe water, sanitation and hygiene services.

Thank you to everyone who participated and to our new Board members — we look forward to working together in advancing the WASH agenda.

And a big congratulations to WaterAid in Malawi Water For People Self Help Africa WHH Malawi - Welthungerhilfe Water Witness and Evidence Action for being recognised by the secretariat for your unwavering support in various aspects. We appreciate you.

27/11/2025

As part of the ongoing 2025 Sanitation and Hygiene Week, WESNET today joined the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and other WASH stakeholders in a sweeping exercise at Nsungwi Market in Area 25, Lilongwe.

This activity is a reminder that keeping our communities clean is a shared responsibility and an important step toward preventing diseases and promoting healthier lives.

We remain committed to working with government and partners to ensure that sanitation and hygiene become a way of life for every Malawian.

Together, we can build a cleaner and healthier Malawi.