Mzimba Hora legislator Martha Mzomera Ngwira (Democratic Progressive Party) has described the launch of a K249 million piped water supply project at Bulala Trading Centre as a timely intervention to improve access to safe water.
The legislator said this on Monday at Bulala in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chindi in the district when M’mbelwa District Council rolled out the project under the Reformed K5 billion Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
| Elton Mhango
Ngwira, who is also Deputy Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, stressed that safe water is crucial to fighting waterborne illnesses in rural communities.
“For years, people in this area relied on streams and rivers, which exposed them to health risks,” she said.
Bulala Ward councillor Sylvester Shumba said having tap water in the area will be a milestone and historical as people have waited for years for such a service.
Group village head Yobe Gama said community members were walking long distances to access water.
“Women and girls were the most affected by water challenges because traditionally, they are the ones who wake up early in search of water,” he said.
The chief warned his subjects against stealing construction mater ial s, saying he will ensure that the materials are protected.
On his par t, Mzimba district commissioner Emmanuel Bulukutu said the project is scheduled to start on September 11 and will be completed within 90 days.
He said the counci l contracted the Foundation for Irrigation and Sustainable Development Limited to undertake the works.
“The works will include the installation of a solar-powered submersible pump, solar systems, two tanks and 10 water points for people to access clean water,” said Bulukutu.
He cautioned the contractor against doing shoddy works and to avoid delays in completing the project.
