Multipurpose dam project to be developed on Malawi-Tanzania borders

The two Southern African countries have agreed to work together on the water and energy project that is located on the Songwe River, running in both territories.

On May 18, Malawi and Tanzania have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding at a ceremony held in Lilongwe (Malawi) regarding the project.

The project consists of developing a dam on the Songwe River which could supply up to 180MW of hydropower and provide water for an irrigation scheme covering 3,000 hectares in each country. Moreover, the project would allow to control floods in the densely populated lower part of the basin.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is supporting the Songwe River Basin Program (SRBDP) that also includes rural electrification, social infrastructure and institutional capacity building.

Andrew Mwaba, AfDB’s Resident Representative in Malawi said: "This integrated and transboundary program is in alignment with the current strategic priorities of the Bank, the High 5s and builds the resilience of local communities to the effects of climate change."

Two small towns of around 86,000 inhabitants and some thirty-six neighboring villages would benefit from the project being provided with water.

The AfDB also declared that the multipurpose dam would generate economic, social and environmental benefits in the area. Moreover, it is expected to enhance food and energy security as well as boost economic growth on the borders between Malawi and Tanzania.