ECOWATER Kiosk to Promote Clean and Sustainable Drinking Water

Students and staff at the University of Malawi can now enjoy easier access to safe and affordable drinking water following the launch of an ECOWATER kiosk on campus. The kiosk, which officially opened on 28 February 2026, is designed to deliver purified, chemical-free water while promoting environmentally friendly practices.

The ECOWATER system uses advanced purification technologies to ensure the highest quality of drinking water. The process begins with reverse osmosis filtration, which removes impurities from the water. It is then passed through an activated carbon system that eliminates unwanted chemicals before undergoing ozone sterilization to ensure that bottles are thoroughly sanitized and safe for use.

Speaking during the launch ceremony, Professor Samson Sajidu, Vice-Chancellor of UNIMA and the guest of honour, encouraged students to take ownership of the initiative. He also welcomed the possibility of expanding the initiative, saying UNIMA’s administration is open to the construction of more ECOWATER kiosks across campus to improve accessibility and support environmental goals.

The initiative is also aimed at reducing plastic waste on campus. By encouraging the use of reusable bottles, the ECOWATER kiosk helps limit the use of single-use plastic bottles, contributing to UNIMA’s goal of becoming a plastic-free campus.

According to ECOWATER Chief Executive Officer, Chikondi Khangamwa, the project was established to improve access to purified drinking water at an affordable price for students and staff. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone on campus can easily access safe, purified drinking water at a cost that is affordable,” he said.

Water from the kiosk is sold at K200 per litre and K100 per 500 millilitres, making it accessible for most students. Users can also purchase an ECOWATER card for K5, 000. The card does not expire and comes with a bonus of five litres of water upon purchase. The cards are available at the kiosk as well as at various locations on campus and in Chikanda, and have created an opportunity for students to earn money, with more than 20 students participating in a commission-based arrangement selling the cards.

Beyond providing clean drinking water, the initiative is expected to help keep the campus clean by reducing plastic waste and creating a healthier learning environment that encourages productivity.