People in Traditional Authority Symon in Neno District will now access clean water following the rehabilitation of 100 nonfunctional boreholes in the area.
The exercise, implemented under Pacific Group of Companies Borehole Rehabilitation initiative, seeks to complement government’s efforts to provide potable water to communities.
In an interview on Monday, a community member Lyson Chadekha from Mkoka Village, said women and youths were drawing water from Shire River which exposed them to the risk of drowning and crocodile attacks.
He said: “When the boreholes stopped functioning in 2023, it was difficult for people to get clean water for drinking and other domestic purposes.”
Another community member Emanuel Leya from group village head Ngwenyama said a crocodile killed his brother Edwin Mpota when he went bathing in the river.
“I always feel sorry that lack of potable water cost my brother’s life. But now we will have water from within the village,” he said.
A mother Anne Phiri said most boreholes broke down nearly a decade ago.
“The situation exposed us to waterborne diseases. We thank the initiative because we now access clean water which is crucial for hygiene,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of Neno South legislator Mark Katsonga Phiri Kabango Maseko, said the initiative has restored dignity for mothers who were struggling to access clean water.
“We ask other well-wishers to emulate the example set by Pacific Group of Companies,” he said.
Pacific Group of Companies Borehole Rehabilitation Initiative team leader Abdul Majeed said they repaired the facilities following reports of crocodile attacks.
The company has throught the initiative repaired over 8 000 boreholes since 2015
