P
eople from Mulanje and Phalombe districts have commended government for installing solar-powered water systems through Post-Cyclone Idai Emergency Recovery Project.
The residents expressed the sentiments on Thursday when the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) engaged journalists to appreciate how the project has eased water challenges in the districts.
Kamwendo Water Users Association chairperson Blessings Mikeyasi said the project has helped improve access to clean water.
He said: “As you are aware, Mulanje is one of the districts that was affected by Cyclone Idai that destroyed water points. As such, we have been struggling to access safe water.
“We, therefore, thank Dodma for the initiative.”
Mikeyasi said community members agreed that water connections should cost K10 000 as a connection fee and every month each household should contribute K500 for maintenance and payments of those who will be guarding the facilities.
On her part, Marita Joseph from group village head Kamwendo in Mulanje said the project has helped reduce distance to water facilities.
“At first, we were walking long distances to fetch water from a borehole,” she said.
Dodma director of preparedness and response Moses Chimphepo said the project sought to ensure that people access safe water.
He said: “As you have seen, people now access safe water and this scheme can save about 2 000 people within this community, but it has the potential for extension.
“As government, we start with small projects, but with time, we expand them based on the availability of resources.”
Chimphepo urged community members to take care of the water facilities.
With $1.1 million (about K1.9 billion) support from the African Development Bank, Dodma installed solar-powered water systems in Nsanje, Chikwawa, Mulanje, Phalombe and Zomba districts.
