Malawi President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera on Tuesday commissioned Malingunde Dam which has been upgraded and raised to five metres.

Speaking during the function, Chakwera said his administration is geared to complete government projects, which have stalled for long time for the benefit of Malawians.

Chakwera urged communities surrounding the newly rehabilitated dam to plant more trees.

The Malawi leader commended all those that took part on this project saying they have done a good job.

Chakwera commended Lilongwe Water Board for embracing new technology.

He said people can now be able to know levels of all tanks which Lilongwe Water Board has.

Speaking earlier, Minister of Water Abida Mia, commended President Dr Lazarus Chakwera for the direction and advise which have helped the project to be successful.

Mia said the project will be so beneficial to Malawians especially those living in Lilongwe.

Located on Lilongwe River, 20 kilometres southwest of Lilongwe City, Kamuzu Dam I was constructed way back in 1966.

The raising and rehabilitation of the Kamuzu Dam 1 provides a combined catchment area of 1,870 km2 (square kilometers).

It is estimated that the 5-metre raising of the Dam would significantly help address the rising ever-skyrocketing demand for potable water in Lilongwe City and surrounding areas.

Available statistics indicate that the modernised facility has a new capacity of 25 million cubic metres from a paltry 5 million cubic metres.

In addition, the raised and rehabilitated facility is expected to produce 175,000 cubic metres per day, an increase from 125,000 cubic metres per day.