Aid Group Donates Computers to Boost Water Monitoring in Malawi District
The technology donation aims to boost sustainability by allowing real-time water point monitoring to quickly identify and address functionality issues.
DOWA, Malawi — International aid organization Self Help Africa has donated computers and tablets worth over 6.2 million kwacha ($6,500) to the Dowa District Council to strengthen monitoring of water points in communities where it operates, writes Vincent Gunde.
The technology package, including one desktop computer, one laptop and six tablets, will enable water monitoring assistants to digitally track the functionality of boreholes and water facilities in real-time.
Presenting the donation, Self Help Africa WASH Program Manager Smorden Tomoka said the equipment will improve efficiency as the organization works with the council to provide access to safe drinking water and sanitation services.
"We expect them to manage the assets so that they can play the purpose for which we have donated," Tomoka said of the district officials.
Dowa District Commissioner Stallich Mwambiwa welcomed the aid, saying Self Help Africa has been a critical partner helping strengthen water and sanitation access, particularly in the Mkukula and Dzoole traditional authorities' areas.
"With the support received, the council will be able to enhance monitoring and supervision on water points," Mwambiwa said, assuring the computers and tablets would be fully utilized.
He expressed hope the organization would expand beyond just the two traditional authorities to cover other parts of the district as well.
Self Help Africa has worked in partnership with the Dowa District Council since 2019 on water, sanitation and hygiene programs serving rural communities.
The technology donation aims to boost sustainability by allowing real-time water point monitoring to quickly identify and address functionality issues.