By Edwin Mauluka
Ethanol manufacturer Presscane Limited says effluent spillage from its plant at the Dyeratu dumpsite is now a thing of the past as the company works to comply with environmental regulations.
In January this year, the National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) ordered the company to suspend all effluent discharge at the dumpsite in Lauji Village, Traditional Authority Katunga, in Chikwawa District.
The directive followed inspection findings by NWRA, the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) and the Central Water Laboratory (CWL), which exposed violations of the Water Resources Act (2013) and the Water Resources Regulations (2018).
The violations led to the spillage of vinasse into farmlands, homes and streets, creating environmental and public health risks for residents of Dyeratu Township.
Presscane Chief Executive Officer Bryson Mkhomaanthu said the company is implementing corrective measures.
“The corrective actions given to us by MEPA and the National Water Resources Authority are ongoing. I want to assure you that the Presscane team is working extremely hard,” he said.
Mkhomaanthu told The Forum that despite heavy flooding during the rainy season, there have been no incidents involving the company’s evaporation ponds.
“It is not a coincidence. It is a result of deliberate effort. People are working every day, even on weekends, to ensure such incidents do not happen again,” he said. “That is part of the work sanctioned by MEPA and the National Water Resources Authority.”
NWRA also ordered the company to implement administrative and corrective measures and compensate people affected by the waste spillage.
The affected community has since appointed an independent valuer to oversee the compensation process. Mkhomaanthu said the company is looking forward to a fair assessment by both the district council and the valuer.
“The work they are going to do will either help cement our relationship or divide us again. I am looking forward to the outcome of the assessment,” he said.
Earlier this week, Presscane engaged community members as part of efforts to rebuild trust. Mkhomaanthu said the meeting provided an opportunity to resolve disagreements and find common ground.
“Organizations do not operate in a vacuum. For any business to thrive, it needs the community. As Presscane, we understand that we need the Dyeratu and Chikwawa communities to prosper,” he said.
He added that the company plans to roll out community empowerment projects under its 2026–2029 outreach strategy, including supporting local farmers to grow sugarcane as feedstock suppliers.
“We want the same people we are talking about to benefit by supplying sugarcane to us. There is a need for a symbiotic relationship,” he said.
The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development (CDEDI) has welcomed Presscane’s efforts to improve relations with the community.
CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa said the company should go further by establishing a functional community liaison office to address concerns and prevent future conflicts.
He also urged community members to avoid vandalism, noting that the company is an important local asset.
Meanwhile, CMC Property Consultants and Valuers Managing Director Mavuto Phula said preparations are underway for an independent compensation assessment.
He said the exercise will begin with an evaluation of affected assets, including crops, land, trees, structures and businesses.
“We will also engage actuarial scientists to assess health risks and determine appropriate compensation,” Phula said.
He estimated the process could take about 15 days, although laboratory tests—including urine analysis—may extend the timeline.
Residents living near the dumpsite have complained since 2017 about poor management of the evaporation ponds, citing repeated overflows into homes and farmland, corrosive emissions damaging iron-sheet roofs, and persistent foul odours.
They say the pollution has contributed to respiratory, eye and skin conditions and have long demanded compensation.
Seventy-year-old Eliza Ngati said the corrosive emissions have damaged her roof.
“When it rains, the whole house leaks,” she said. “My legs also hurt. This problem started after the company opened the dumpsite.”
Another resident, Mary Khakhi, said she suffers from eye and respiratory problems.
“I have been going to hospitals for treatment of suspected asthma and have spent a lot of money,” she said.
Annie Maseya urged authorities to ensure fairness in the compensation process.
“We don’t want anyone to be left out, especially when assessing damage to crops,” she said, noting that a previous assessment by the district council did not favour residents.
—
Photos by Edwin Mauluka
Also Read: Regulator suspends Presscane permit over vinasse spills in Chikwawa
Related: ‘Do the right thing’: Govt demands Presscane compensate Chikwawa communities
Related: Eight years silent, Presscane buckles when government finally moves
