Water is life, but not everyone seems to understand what the catchphrase means.
Many Malawians still struggle to get safe water.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), about seven million Malawians lack access to clean water and over 80 percent of households depend on unsafe and contaminated sources.
Over 250 households in Chikho Village, Traditional Authority Kasakula in Ntchisi District have lived for generations without tasting piped water or a borehole.
The breath-taking hilly setting masks the harsh reality which compelled residents to drink water from distant rivers.
The situation subjects women and children to long walks to overwhelmed wells.
Emily Mwale arrived in Chikho as a young bride 18 years ago. Since then, she has been waking up before sunrise to make the inescapable long trip to nearest river.
“Water remains a big water problem here,” says Mwale, her voice weary but resolute. “I’ve adapted, but it’s a struggle. I wake up at 4 am to be among the first at the river. It’s the only way I can draw some water for my family.”
A winding footpath over steep hills and valleys becomes dangerous and slippery during the rainy season.
The everyday journey takes a toll on everyone, but can be tricky for elderly and pregnant women. Slips and injuries are not uncommon.
The time-consuming quest for water has a ripple effect on Mwale’s family.
She is concerned about her children’s health and education as they sometimes go to school home without taking breakfast or a bath.
“They skip their breakfast and baths when I delay at the river. It’s hard to watch them suffer,” she says.
Chikho Village Water Development Committee chairperson Zachariah John says the water woes affect all spheres of life in the rural community.
“Our water problem is more than just an inconvenience. It’s stunting our progress. Without accessible water sources, we are exposed to winterbourne disease outbreaks and we can’t engage in irrigation farming. When the rains are scarce, we face food shortages and poverty worsens,” he says.
John says the situation also fuels disease outbreaks caused by poor sanitation and hygiene.
Girls struggle to achieve menstrual hygiene and dignity.
“Ours is a story of resilience and silent endurance. The community hopes that sharing our struggle will bring the attention of government and development partners to our plight,” he says.
The growing demands for safe water have swayed WaterAid Malawi.
The non-governmental organisation has promised to sink 10 boreholes in Ntchisi.
One of these water pumps will be installed in Chikho Village.
This is part of the Wimbledon Two Project, according to WaterAid project officer Laston Zungu.
He says plans are advanced to procure equipment and a contractor in time for drilling to begin.
“WaterAid Malawi has invested about K500 million to provide these boreholes in most remote villages where safe water is rare. Our goal is to ensure these communities access clean water like everyone else and the contractor will start drilling soon,” Zungu says.
He envisions the water points reducing disease outbreaks, including cholera.
Zungu says Chikho villagers are resilient, but deserve support.
Group village head Kandodo expressed cautious optimism as similar promises from other organisations remain unfulfilled.
“We hope this time it is real,” he says. “Perhaps, our children will finally grow up healthy. While waiting for WaterAid to walk the talk, we appeal to the government to include us in their plans.”
He blames government officials, former members of Parliament and councillors for repeatedly breaking their promises to end the struggle for safe water.
The 71 -year-old traditional leader said throughout his life ,he has never seen a borehole in his village.
“If the new promise comes true, it will be life-changing. Water, sanitation and hygiene are part of life,” he says.
Ntchisi District health promotion officer Frank Kaphaso said the water points promised by WaterAid could help reduce waterborne diseases in the area.
