A heart touching story of students trekking six kilometres daily to fetch water moved Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL) bosses to donate a water pump to solve the water crisis at a school.
The story published on September 8 2024 in the Nation on Sunday, tells the hardships that students at Lulwe Community Day Secondary School in Marka, Nsanje face due to lack of safe and clean water.
PIL, a consortium of four oil marketing companies in the country, on Wednesday donated a solar water pump worth K7.8 million to help solve water challenges.
Speaking after handing over the pump, PIL general manager Martin Msimuko said the company felt concerned that the students were spending time for classes to fetch water.
“Water is life, and access to clean, safe water is fundamental for the well-being of every community. We heard through the news report that learners used to fetch water from far away. This solar water pump is more than just a machine – it is a symbol of progress, sustainability, and hope. With this solar water pump, the school will have a reliable source of clean water, ensuring better hygiene, access to safe drinking water, and the ability to maintain sanitary conditions.”
“With access to clean water, students will be able to focus on their studies without worrying about basic needs. This is an investment for their future, allowing them to pursue their education with dignity and hope. By utilising solar power, we are tapping into a clean, renewable source of energy. In doing so, we not only address the water needs of this school but also demonstrate a commitment to protecting our environment,” he said.
The school head teacher Nasho Simbi conceded that the situation was dire as the school has had no water since 2022.
“So, it was compulsory that each student fetch water to be used at the school. Some had to carry water from their homes every day, but now students will be relieved of such burden and concentrate on their studies. We, therefore ,thank PIL for the assistance,” he said.
Phyless Matchado, a Form Four student, said the situation affected the girls more.
Apart from the school, the water source will also benefit the nearby health centre, teachers’ houses, a primary school and the community around Lulwe CDSS.
Pastor Samuel Mpheluka, who works at the health centre, said they used to hire women daily to fetch 200 litres of water which was costly and a health hazard considering the unreliability of the water sources.
Lulwe CDSS has 250 students, the health centre serves a catchment of 10 040 people while the primary school has 860 pupils.
PIL comprises Puma, Total Energies, Vivo Energies and Petroda
