Education authorities in Traditional Authority Wenya in Chitipa have commended World Vision Malawi for drilling boreholes at Mpale and Nkhumano primary schools.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, Nkhumano Zone primary education adviser Joyce Chawinga Msowoya said the boreholes will improve hygiene and sanitation in the area.
She said besides learners and teachers, the surrounding community will also benefit from the potable water.
Msowoya said previously learners were drinking water Sekwa River, about half a kilometre away from both schools.
She said: “Teachers were rejecting to report for work in these schools due to water challenges while adolescent girls were absconding classes when they had periods.
“So, these boreholes will improve efficiency and performance among learners. Again, schools will introduce gardens for vegetable and fruits.”
Chifundo Kayira, a learner at Mpale Primary School, said the borehole will improve personal hygiene at the school.
“Learners used to walk long distances to fetch water at Sekwa River. The water was also not safe for drinking. At times, we used to report late for classes after break time,” she said.
World Vision Chitipa district programmes manager Hendrix Kalanje said through water, sanitation and hygiene project, they drilled a borehole at each of the schools to improve the healthcare of under-five children. “Key activities included drilling of four new boreholes which is providing clean water to about 1 455 people,” he said.
