Senior Chief Kachindamoto of Dedza has commended Welt Hunger Hilfe for installing a solar-powered water supply system at Msungo Primary School in the district.
She said this on Thursday after the organisation handed over the water supply system which targets about 1 352 learners and 422 households in the area.
“Learners and households were struggling to access safe water. We are grateful for this gesture,” said the chief, about an investiment set to improve water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash) in her area.
Kachindamoto advised the community not to vandalise the water facilities, including pipes and tanks.
The school’s head teacher Midress Masibawo said the water system will promote good health and cleanliness at the institution.
She emphasised that safe water is crucial as the area experiences hot weather conditions.
“The availability of water will enhance academic performance as learners will concentrate in class. Previously, lack of safe water led to frequent absenteeism and lack of concentration in class,” said Masibawo.
A Standard Eight learner, Margaret Palikena, commended the new water system as a major milestone in boosting retention of learners and preventing the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera.
The organisation’s project coordinator Khumbo Munthali said they are committed to supporting the Ministry of Education in ensuring good sanitation in schools.
“This primary school did not have potable water and it relied on community water sources which are saline. We have installed the water system to help learners and teachers access fresh water,” he said.
Lack of water and sanitary facilities are some of the causes of school dropout, according to the Ministry of Education.
Between 2022 and 2024 access to potable water in Dedza District has risen from 67 to 75 percent.
