Access to Safe Water Transforms Lives in Lambani Village, Malawi
Mangochi, Malawi– Communities in and around Lambani village in Mangochi district, Malawi, are celebrating newfound access to safe and clean water following the rehabilitation and construction of 90 boreholes, writes Ernest Mfunya.
This initiative, spearheaded by a consortium comprising Care International Malawi, Save the Children International, and Emmanuel International, has brought significant relief to the community, which was previously forced to rely on untreated water sources for their daily needs.
Before the intervention, villagers had to trek over 2 kilometres to fetch water from the Mtosa River, exposing them to the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea.
This situation had a detrimental impact on the health and well-being of the community, particularly children and women.
"For years, we had to drink untreated water from unprotected sources," said Nelia Banat, a resident of Lambani village.
"This made our community prone to waterborne diseases, and we lost many lives, especially among children and women."
The new boreholes have not only improved the health of the community but also reduced the time and effort required to collect water.
"Since this project started, we no longer have to walk long distances to get water," said Banat. "This gives us more time to focus on other activities, such as farming and taking care of our families."
Village headman Lambani expressed his gratitude for the project, emphasising its positive impact on the community's health and development.
"This intervention has come at a right time," he stated.
"The clean and safe water will improve our living standards and enhance development, as everyone will be able to do other activities that can improve their families economically."
To ensure the sustainability of the project, village headman Lambani has implemented measures to promote responsible water use and borehole maintenance.
"Every household contributes K200 towards the upkeep of the boreholes," he explained. "We have also formed groups to ensure that the surrounding areas of the boreholes are clean."
Care International Malawi's chief of party, Daniel Abbott, reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their efforts to provide access to safe water and sanitation.
"Access to safe water and sanitation is a foundational element of health and resilience for communities," he stated.
"We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing safe water."
The rehabilitation and construction of boreholes in Lambani village serve as a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative efforts in addressing the water challenges faced by rural communities.
By providing access to safe and clean water, this initiative has empowered the community to improve their health, livelihoods, and overall well-being.