Fired BWB CEO Chihana told to return office cellphone

Former Blantyre Water Board (BWB) Chief Executive Officer Yeremiah Chihana has been ordered to surrender the institution’s cellphone, laptop and vehicle following his dismissal.

According to a notice, Chihana is required to return the company property with immediate effect.

He has also been instructed to vacate the institution’s house by November 7, 2026.

His dismissal follows months of a bitter dispute with the BWB board, which has seen him suspended, reinstated and repeatedly involved in court battles over his position.

In a letter dated October 5, 2026, BWB board chairperson Stanley Chirwa informed Chihana that his employment had been terminated with immediate effect following disciplinary proceedings over alleged misconduct.

The board said Chihana had been summoned to appear before a disciplinary committee but did not attend the hearing, which proceeded in his absence.

Chihana, however, has challenged the board’s decisions through the courts in his bid to retain his position.

On October 6, the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed his application seeking to stop the implementation of a High Court ruling concerning his suspension, saying the dispute could be addressed through the Industrial Relations Court.

Meanwhile, BWB has appointed Henri Mathelo Bakuwa as its new chief executive officer, replacing Chihana.

Bakuwa previously served as the board’s director of finance and also acted as CEO for three years.

Board chairperson Stanley Chirwa said due process was followed in his appointment, although questions have been raised over how quickly the recruitment was completed.

Chihana’s departure comes as residents in Blantyre continue to face water supply challenges.