WES urges communities to harness water systems

The Water and Environmental Sanitation (WES) Network said there is a need to shore up food provisions for the country’s growing population by optimising water usage.

WES Network programme officer Clement Masangano said this in Lilongwe on Saturday during the commemoration of the World Water Day for the Central Region.

Masangano urged people to balance water usage in the face of reduced rainfall.

“Water is very important in achieving food security, especially at this time when traditional sources of water such as rainfall have reduced and become unpredictable due to changes in the pattern weather,” he said.

Centre for Integrated Community Development (Cicod) projects manager Edward Thole said his organisation is involved in sanitation promotion, hygiene and treatment of water wells in the area.

He said uncoordinated rapid urbanisation in Mchezi has resulted in growth of informal settlements that are not provided with adequate water and sanitation amenities.