Due to the recent publication of this story in the newspapers, we have reopened this petition to provide an urgent update to the supporters against this desecration of a World Heritage Site. (See Links provided below) .We were amazed to read that the Nkhudzi Bay hills are actually still being considered as a site for this water project! Unfathomable when there are other very feasible locations nearby, which we understand would bring the same benefits of improved access to potable water for local communities, without the serious environmental damage that would occur inside a World Heritage Site, which is first and foremost Malawi’s Heritage.
- We fully support efforts to improve water access for all, especially the local communities. This is achievable if the project is moved to a nearby location, which would cause less environmental damage and ensure endangered and endemic wildlife around the Nkhudzi Hill area is not disturbed and still protected.
- A more suitable nearby location has been identified by a water engineering expert, less than 5 kilometer away which has similar characteristics of Nkhudzi Hill in elevation and accessibility. The site is already partially developed and does not have the same biological, historical, and archeological importance. Choosing this site would ensure that the local community has BOTH accessible, treated water AND still benefits from preserving Malawi’s natural and archeological heritage in the Nkhudzi Hills area for future generations, a win-win for all.
- WE ARE OPPOSED TO THIS PROJECT TAKING PLACE ON THIS MOUNTAIN AND THEREBY DESECRATING A WORLD HERITAGE SITE.
- We have been informed that a new task force has been put in charge of developing a revised Environmental and Social Impact Assessment. The report will be ready next week, and all interested parties will be able to view it and comment. We have been informed that stringent mitigation measures will be put into place to ensure that the flora and fauna will be minimally impacted. However, we believe that a project of this scale will cause irreversible destruction to the flora and fauna of this mountain over the next few decades, despite any mitigation measures. Nkhudzi Mountain is unique. It is the last remaining intact littoral woodland in that area, the start of the Lake Malawi National Park, and at the heart of an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
*BREAKING NEWS* In the meantime an old grave has been discovered by the Museum of Antiquities team, at the site of the proposed reservoir! A previously undiscovered rock painting site has also been found close to the one which is known. This is very exciting and further evidence that this area is of great importance, archeologically and environmentally.
We need your help once again. Please share far and wide! Engage on social media and please have your say. All we are asking is that the project is moved to a nearby hill outside the World Heritage Site. We hope to have the updated report soon and will share it so that all may comment. We are deeply grateful for your continued support.
Links to newspaper articles;
https://www.businessmalawi.com/mangochi-chiefs-want-water-project-expedited/
https://capitalradiomalawi.com/srwbs-mangochi-water-project-awaits-supplementary-impact-reports/
https://constructionreviewonline.com/news/water-projects-in-southern-malawi/