Ministry wants increased clean water access

 Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Sidik Mia says government is striving to increase access to clean and safe water, especially for people in cholera hotspots.

Speaking in Lilongwe yesterday during a meeting with executive members of the Professional Women in Water Sector Network, she said government is speeding up the process of providing potable water to cholera prone communities.

Said Mia: “As government, we are doing all we can to ensure that people have access to safe and clean water by 2030. But because of the cholera situation, we are speeding up the process within the hotspots where people are really affected by cholera, by providing potable water chlorination, fixing boreholes, treating shallow wells and encouraging people not to use water that is not safe for them to drink.”

She further highlighted women’s critical role in water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash), adding that networks such as the Professional Women in Water Sector provide the best platforms for dissemination of Wash messages to complement government efforts.

Duri n g the meeting, participants discussed the prospects of the grouping, which include building the capacity of women and girls to participate in Wash activities so they can contribute to economic growth.

In an interview, the network’s chairperson Phideria Moyo said the grouping, which comprises women working under Wash services as well as individuals interested in promoting women in the sector, is looking to increase access to potable water as well as sensitising communities on Wash activities.

“Our mandate is to create mentorship activities to empower women and girls in Wash matters; sensitising the communities on Wash activities as well as championing the safety of the environment through tree planting,” she said. The network, with a membership of over 400 nationwide, was conceptualised in 2017, but died along the way before it was resuscitated in November 2021.