In January this year, I launched the next cycle of the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme (MARWP) for the period 2024 to 2026.
The MARWP is the main funding stream providing capital funding to address the challenges faced by Group Water Schemes in maintaining, renewing and developing their systems and networks.
The overall purpose of the MARWP, and other grants available under the Rural Water Programme, is to provide the necessary funding to improve the quality, quantity and reliability of the water services relied upon by rural dwellers, where public water services are not available.
An Expert Panel is currently looking at the specifics of each funding request received under the MARWP and is tasked with making recommendations on the suitability of individual projects for funding. Under an independent Chairperson, the Panel’s membership includes experts from the key stakeholders in the Rural Water Sector.
I expect to receive the recommendations of the Panel and approve funding in the coming weeks.
