Red Cross hands over K560m project in Phalombe District

Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has handed over a K560 million worth diarrhoea mitigation water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash) project in Phalombe District.

MRCS has been implementing the project for the past three years  in Phalombe District.

Speaking during the handover of the project on Tuesday, MRCS deputy president Mary Ngulube said the project was influenced by high mortality and morbidity rate which Phalombe was registering, mostly due to diarrhoeal disease.

She said: “Realising that it is painful to lose a child to an easily prevented or cured ailment, Malawi Red Cross Society, the Government of Malawi and other stakeholders, with financial support from The Netherlands Red Cross, came together to embark on this project.”

In his remarks, Phalombe district commissioner (DC) Harry Phiri said the project has brought a number of benefits since its inception.

“The improved water supply is also helping at Migowi Health Centre where pregnant women and their guardians previously had  to walk long distances to fetch water. Hygiene activities at the health centre have also been uplifted because of the provision of water,” he said.

In an interview, Southern Region irrigation and water development officer Phideria Moyo said though Phalombe is blessed with water, it was a challenge for communities to access clean and potable water. n