Hotel Fined For Discharging Fecal Matter Into Lake Malawi

The Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has ordered Blue Waters Hotel in Salima District to pay a fine of MK5 Million or risk closure for discharging fecal matter into Lake Malawi.

Besides the fine, MEPA has also ordered the hotel to immediately rectify all issues which are violating Environmental Protection Standards.

MEPA’s Information Education and Communications Manager, Clement Tikiwa said during inspection it was discovered leakages and other shortcomings with the entire waste-water management system and concluded it not fit for purpose.

”In 2017 we ordered the hotel to conduct environmental audit and submit a report but they did not comply, and last time they obstructed our officials from entry into their premises,” Tikiwa said.

Meanwhile, samples have been collected and further tests will be done to determine water quality levels.

Apart from the Blue Waters Hotel MEPA also inspected other hotels within the district which is part of routine inspection exercises it conducts from time to time.