The Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Technology Development (WASHTED) was established in 2003 at the Malawi Polytechnic: a constituent college of the University of Malawi (UNIMA). WASHTED is a semi-autonomous training and research centre within the Faculties of Engineering and Applied Sciences, offering a multi and interdisciplinary range of skills through its affiliated members. It is headed by a Director and has an advisory board that includes Dean of Engineering (Chair), Dean of Applied Sciences (Vice Chair), Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Principal Secretary - Ministry of Water Development, Principal Secretary - Ministry of Health, Chief Executive of Blantyre City Assembly, College Registrar as secretary.

The main objectives of the centre include capacity building in the field of water, sanitation and appropriate technology development; conducting research and consultancy; developing and adopting technologies appropriate to the local environment; and disseminating information to national and international stakeholders.