Lilongwe Water Board moves to avert another cholera outbreak

Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) has installed more water kiosks in areas that were hit by cholera to avoid another outbreak of the disease in the next rainy season.

In an interview yesterday, LWB technical assistant John Maweja said the board has constructed more water kiosks in Kauma, Mchitanjiru, Nankhali, Tcheche, Chiuzira, Ntchetche and other areas.

“We realise that one contributing factor to the spread of cholera is unsafe drinking water. As such, we decided to provide potable water to prevent the repeat of the outbreak,” he said.

Maweja said other areas such as Mitengo are not yet under LWB, but there are plans to bring potable water there,” he said.

Parent and Child Health Initiative Trust (Pachi) formed Bwalo forums, led by traditional leaders and residents in areas hit by cholera to demand solutions from duty-bears before the start of rainy season.

The chiefs and residents recently met Lilongwe District Council, LWB and Central Region Water Board to ask for provision of safe drinking water during the forthcoming rainy season and piped water as a permanent solution to prevent cholera outbreak.

Unicef civic education officer Clara Chindime said they will continue to provide chlorine to the communities. Unicef supports Pachi in the initiative.