Kuwait Fund Transforms Lives: Over 92,000 Families Gain Access to Clean Water in Mangochi
In September 2021, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Affairs initiated a water supply project in Mangochi District in collaboration with the Southern Region Water Board.
Mangochi, Malawi – In a remarkable turn of events, over 92,000 families living in the Traditional Authority Nankumba area of Mangochi District are now enjoying the gift of clean, potable water, thanks to the generous efforts of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Affairs, a foreign non-governmental organisation, writes Bertha Gama.
For generations, the communities around Nkhuzi Bay, Mpondasi, and Ntakataka in the Mangochi District, under the leadership of Traditional Authority Nankumba, grappled with a dire lack of clean water.
They were frequently plagued by cholera outbreaks due to their reliance on unprotected water sources or direct consumption of untreated water from Lake Malawi or stagnant water bodies.
In September 2021, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Affairs initiated a water supply project in Mangochi District in collaboration with the Southern Region Water Board.
The goal was to bring safe, clean water to more than 92,000 families in this region.
After months of construction efforts, the project was successfully completed in September 2023, and it is already receiving an outpouring of gratitude from the community.
Mariam Jafali, a resident of Nkhuzi Bay in Traditional Authority Nankumba, shared the difficulties her community faced when seeking clean water.
As women, they had to embark on long journeys to access safe water, with the alternative being the consumption of unsafe and untreated water from Lake Malawi.
"The arrival of this water project is an immense relief to us. We are thrilled that we can now enjoy clean water. This project has brought significant changes to our lives," expressed Jafali with joy.
On October 12, 2023, Malawian President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera inaugurated the transformative project, extending his heartfelt appreciation to the Kuwait Fund for their unwavering support.
Abdul James, another beneficiary, emphasised how the water project could effectively combat waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea, vastly improving the community's health.
“We had suffered greatly from cholera and other waterborne diseases in our area. With this project, we are hopeful our lives will see remarkable improvements," said James.
This project has become a turning point for the residents of Mangochi, bringing clean and accessible water to thousands and significantly enhancing their quality of life.
Senior Chief Nankumba, a traditional leader in the region, commended the Kuwait Fund, the Malawi government, and the Southern Region Water Board for their relentless commitment in completing the project despite facing numerous challenges.
The people of Mangochi are now able to lead healthier and happier lives as the water project arrives at a critical time to address longstanding issues.
Sub-Traditional Authority Chiwalo highlighted that the project's positive impact extended beyond the obvious benefits of clean water, promoting the overall well-being and health of the community.
"We faced numerous problems due to the lack of portable water. The people of Mangochi suffered greatly when cholera outbreaks occurred. The use of unsafe water directly from the lake and stagnant water was the main cause of our suffering. Now, thanks to the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Affairs, these problems are history," Sub T/A Chiwalo explained.
Brown Mpinganjira, the Board Chairperson of the Southern Region Water Board, reported that the Nkhuzi Bay water supply scheme has already provided essential benefits to over 92,000 families in Mangochi.
The board is committed to providing free home water connections, aligning with the government's objectives.
The expansion of the Mangochi water supply system covers a distance of 50 kilometres from Mpondasi, at Bishop’s House, to the Ntakataka Turn-off. This initiative provides water to Maldeco, Makawa, and Nkope market centres.
By 2035, the project is expected to improve the lives of nearly 92,870 people, promoting better health, well-being, and prosperity in the region.