As the only outlet of Lake Malawi, Africa’s third-largest lake, the Shire River flows steadily from north to south through the mountainous terrain of southern Malawi, nourishing the residents along its banks. However, due to inadequate water infrastructure, agricultural development in the area has been hampered, leading to the gradual inception of a plan to channel water from the Shire River.
In March 2021, Sinohydro Group Ltd, a subsidiary of Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina), won the bid for the Shire Valley Transformation Project in Malawi, with Sinohydro Bureau 9 Co., Ltd and PowerChina Stecol Corporation entrusted with its implementation.
The project is designed to meet the water needs of over 220,000 people in southern Malawi, irrigating an area of 43,000 hectares. It is currently the largest water diversion and livelihood project under construction in Malawi.
To ensure progress, the project team has maintained a strong focus on safety, quality and adherence to the construction schedule. The team has embraced localized construction practices, hiring experienced local managers and providing training through mentorship programs. This approach has created over 500 local jobs.
In fulfilling its corporate social responsibility, the project team has engaged in ongoing community outreach and environmental protection initiatives, benefiting local residents and reinforcing the company’s brand while strengthening the bond between China and Malawi.
In May 2023, the project team donated and installed 100 street lights in the Chikwawa district, enhancing local nighttime trade, road safety and public security.
Throughout the construction process, the project team enlisted local environmental protection experts to help develop health, safety and environmental management systems to guide their efforts. They installed wastewater treatment equipment for the sand and mixing systems and set up sedimentation and septic tanks at the construction site and production areas. After proper treatment, wastewater is discharged into areas that meet local environmental standards.
In terms of wildlife protection, the project team has heightened awareness and management among construction personnel, strictly prohibiting the destruction of vegetation outside the construction zones. When rare plants or animals are found within the construction area, the team promptly reports to the environmental engineers and collaborates with the necessary stakeholders to take necessary protective measures. To combat dust pollution, the team regularly sweeps and waters the construction site and access roads to minimize airborne particles.
The project team has also remained committed to safeguarding the rights of female workers, implementing programs to enhance the skills and career development of local employees.
As the first project for Sinohydro Bureau 9 Co., Ltd in Malawi, the Shire Valley Transformation Project has successfully integrated contract fulfillment with corporate brand building, continuously supporting local livelihoods.
