Blantyre Water Board (BWB) Board Chairperson Stanley Chirwa is facing growing calls for an independent investigation over allegations of abuse of office, procurement interference and breaches of corporate governance at the public water utility.
The allegations stem from the suspension of five senior directors, controversial procurement decisions and claims that the Board Chair has become directly involved in the day-to-day management of the institution, contrary to accepted corporate governance principles.
On 9 February 2026, the Directors responsible for Human Resources and Administration, Procurement and Disposal, Distribution and Commerce, Finance, and Technical Services were placed on administrative leave pending a forensic audit.
More than six months later, the officials reportedly remain on indefinite leave, raising questions over the prolonged delay in concluding the forensic audit and the legality of extending administrative leave for such a lengthy period.
Documents seen by this publication indicate that the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) declined a request to use Restricted Tendering to procure forensic audit services.
In its response, the PPDA stated that Blantyre Water Board had failed to justify the use of the restricted procurement method, noting that “limited time” was not sufficient legal justification and that the Board had not adequately explained how prospective firms had been shortlisted.
Following the PPDA’s decision, Blantyre Water Board proceeded to advertise the forensic audit through National Competitive Bidding, an open procurement method.
Meanwhile, sources familiar with the matter allege that Stanley Chirwa cancelled several procurement processes that had already been evaluated and whose results had been published in The Nation newspaper on 24 March 2026. The sources claim the cancellations were made without adequate justification.
Further allegations suggest that on another occasion, a tender opening was cancelled on the very day bids were due to be opened, with bidders reportedly instructed to collect their submissions without any public explanation. Some affected bidders are said to have sought the intervention of both the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the PPDA.
Employees who spoke on condition of anonymity further alleged that many of these decisions were made without the knowledge of the Chief Executive Officer.
Additional allegations claim that Stanley Chirwa obtained bidding documents through PKG Associates, C-Success Consulting, and Baker Tilly, despite claims that the firms failed to attend a mandatory pre-bid meeting, a requirement which would ordinarily render bidders ineligible. According to the same sources, Yvespro Consult was the only firm that attended the mandatory pre-bid meeting.
The sources also allege that Chirwa has been working closely with Mavuto Chimtengo (Acting Director of Distribution and Commerce), Oweni Maloni (Limbe Zone Manager), Andrew Masiye, an IPDC member, and Crissy Mwasowa, who is reportedly seeking appointment as Acting Procurement Manager.
Neither Stanley Chirwa nor Blantyre Water Board had responded to these allegations at the time of publication. Their responses will be incorporated once received.
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