We would like to thank you all for your tremendous efforts in supporting our cause.  This petition now has 2686 signatures and been viewed more than 22,000 times thanks to you! Our special appreciation to those of you who also took the time to email MEPA with your concerns. We have been assured by them that all comments will be taken into consideration.

We now also have a good support network on the ground in Malawi stepping up and doing a great job.

There is a civil society statement on the environmental and social impact assessment, signed by 10 leading environmental organizations in Malawi.
The conclusion and recommendation is:

Based on these observations, it is our submission that the proposed project for the Extension of Mangochi Potable Water Supply Project in its current design be rejected for purposes of maintaining the integrity of the World Heritage status of Lake Malawi National Park.  We recommend that an independent ESIA be conducted taking into account the need for expertise in World Heritage, protected area and biodiversity.

The group also submitted an alternative plan to place the water system outside the LMNP and is asking MEPA to consider solutions that protect our environment and supply water at the same time.

Our cause is finally getting the media attention it deserves;

- A video by Times 360 Malawi has covered the story and can be viewed on
https://www.facebook.com/times.mw/videos/866538713959513/

- An article was published in the national newspaper, the Daily Times on 3rd August.

https://times.mw/mangochi-water-project-faces-resistance/

- A summary was posted by Stuart Grant, leading Chilclid specialist, this morning expressing his concerns; 
https://cichlidpress.com/smgfund/smgfund34.html

All this is encouraging however on the ground the situation remains tense.  Lack of sensitising meetings with the communities is creating tension that could have been avoided. The people want the water they have been promised (apparently for free) and are looking for people to blame for why the project has been halted. Those that have been promised benefits or have already recieved them are reluctant to entertain alternative options.

Just this afternoon representatives of Lake Shepherd had to put out a fire on the mountain near the proposed site of the resevoir which was suspicious.

This case in the media spotlight is our main assurance that all procedures are followed correctly, that the stakeholders on the ground are not targeted,  that the public are well informed of what is actually going on. So we urge you to keep doing what you have been doing and sharing on all platforms. We need you!