From Sickness to Success: Malawi Family Thrives After Clean Water Arrives
As more households connect to the system, Dowa Turn-off's future looks brighter.
DOWA TURN-OFF(DOWA), Malawi— For the Howard Viano family, the arrival of piped water in their village has meant more than just convenience—it has revolutionized their health and economic prospects. The new water project in Dowa Turn-Off has liberated families like the Viano’s from reliance on scarce, contaminated boreholes, dramatically improving their daily lives, writes Winston Mwale.
Howard Viano, a farmer, remembers the daily struggle to access clean water.
"Before Hope Water came, it was difficult to access portable water. Women fetched water from boreholes, where they spent time before actually getting the water."
However, since the project's implementation, Viano's life has changed dramatically.
"I see my life changing because of the water. Previously, we could just keep two or three pigs because water was scarce, but now I have close to 40 pigs."
"If not for this water, I could have failed in farming," Viano explained.
"The same livestock that consumes a lot of water gives me manure for farming."
The project features a prepaid system, allowing residents to pay for water usage based on consumption.
Viano spends close to K30,000 per month but says it's worth it for the benefits it brings.
The benefits extend beyond agriculture.
Hazwell beamed as she described their new reality: "We take baths and wash clothes whenever we want, something we couldn't afford in the past."
"Previously, from morning to noon, you would have just collected one pail of water. It was difficult, especially in October."
Health and sanitation have also improved.
"It's easy to ensure its safety, unlike if it's fetched from a public water point," Viano said.
For those who can't afford private connections, the project has installed water kiosks throughout the area.
As more households connect to the system, Dowa Turn-off's future looks brighter.
Hazwell's advice to her neighbours is clear: "For those who have not connected water, they should make sure they do because there is a lot of benefit."
The Hope Water project implemented by Rhema Institute for Development (RHID) with support from Hope for a Child stands as an example of how targeted infrastructure development can transform communities, one family at a time.