After living many years without potable water, communities in Traditional Authority Ganya in Ntcheu District will finally access the precious commodity following the completion of World Vision Malawi’s mechanised water system.
In an interview on Wednesday, Bwanje Village Development Committee chairperson Shadreck Ulemu said the potable water will enhance personal hygiene in Ndalamira, Kalimbika and Chiligonire villages whose people suffered cholera outbreak between 2022 and 2023.
He said the project will bolster the people’s cholera prevention now that the rainy season has started.
“We learnt the hard way that clean water is not optional. This mechanised water system will protect our children from diarrhoea,” said Ulemu.
A mother, Elube Mathanga, said previously, people were using water from unprotected sources such as rivers, wells and swamps.
She said: “The water was not safe for drinking and other domestic purposes, especially during the rainy season.
“In addition, animals were also drinking from the same sources, thereby contaminating the water.”
On her part, World Vision water, sanitation and hygiene project officer Gertrude Malefula said the installation of mechanised water system seeks to improve sanitation and hygiene among communities.
She said: “Safe water and good hygiene are critical to protecting vulnerable people, especially children.
“This intervention deliberately combines water access with sanitation and hygiene promotion to prevent future outbreaks.”
The organisation installed the K152.8 million mechanised water system with funding from World Vision US.
