The Government of Japan and UNHCR are working to improve access to water at Dzaleka Refugee Camp through the rehabilitation and renewal of the camp’s water supply system.

During a visit to Dzaleka on 17 September, Japanese Ambassador to Malawi Naito Yasushi inspected the water infrastructure and outlined plans to renew and rehabilitate the system to extend water coverage to more areas of the camp.

The Embassy of Japan in Malawi said the work is being carried out in collaboration with UNHCR as part of efforts to improve living conditions for refugees.

Water access remains a major challenge at Dzaleka. A report published in July 2026 by Malawi’s National Statistical Office and UNHCR, with support from the World Bank–UNHCR Joint Data Center, identified basic water access as one of the areas where the camp continues to face significant pressure.

UNHCR has also previously reported that Dzaleka’s water infrastructure has struggled to meet demand as the camp population has grown. In 2024, UNHCR maintained an average supply of 14.4 litres of water per person per day, below its post-emergency standard of 20 litres, while continuing to upgrade the existing water system.

Japan has previously supported projects at Dzaleka involving housing, clean water, school classrooms and education.

The embassy said its support is guided by Japan’s “Human Security” approach and that it will continue working with partners to improve conditions for vulnerable communities.