NGO installs piped water in Mchinji

New Apostolic Church Relief Organisation has installed solar-powered water systems in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mduwa in Mchinji District.

Speaking on Monday during the handover ceremony, the organisation’s patron Apostle Owen Kayira said they launched a water and sanitation project in 2019 to provide potable water to communities.

He said: “We also promote basic hygiene and sanitation in the area. There are 13 water points benefitting over 669 households, including 911 primary school learners.

“We also improved 14 latrines in five primary schools, renovated a market structure and an under-fives clinic in the area.”

Kayira said they facilitated the formation of borehole committees which save money to be used for repairing boreholes.

T/A Mduwa said the water and sanitation project will improve the lives of his subjects.

“The availability of potable water will enhance personal hygiene, which is important in preventing the spread of diseases such as Covid-19, cholera and polio,” he said.

Chief Mduwa also said the initiative has created a conducive learning environment in schools.

Dingaliro John, a community member from the area, said previously, women used to travel long distances to access water.

“Water is life. We need it for our homes and institutions. I, therefore, urge people to take care of the facilities,” he said.

Mchinji District Council chairperson White Musha described the project as a huge contribution to government and people of T/A Mduwa, urging community members not to vandalise the facilities.

The organisation implemented the initiatives with K140 million funding from a German-based non-governmental organisation Nak-Karitativ.