Relocated Malawians Decry Water Shortage in New Settlement
A local traditional leader has urged the government or the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) to consider drilling more boreholes in the area to ensure water is locally available.
NSANJE, Malawi- Hundreds of people relocated from Makhanga Island to Traditional Authority Mbenje's area in Nsanje district are raising concerns over a shortage of boreholes, which is negatively affecting their access to safe and potable water, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Village Headman Kanyeramalo said on Tuesday that the four existing boreholes are inadequate to meet the water demand of the communities that have settled there.
"We found only two boreholes and two more were drilled but are failing to meet the need of water for the people here," Kanyeramalo said, adding that women and girls have to walk long distances to fetch water.
The traditional leader has urged the government or the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) to consider drilling more boreholes in the area to ensure water is locally available.
Ivy Davie, a resident, lamented that people are sharing water sources with animals, posing health risks. She said the boreholes are unprotected, allowing animals like goats and pigs to intrude.
"One of the boreholes is on threats of stopping operational as it is developing faults," Davie said, adding that there are no trained committees or spare parts to rehabilitate broken boreholes.
The District Disaster Risk Management Officer for Nsanje, Dan Mandala, acknowledged that DoDMA is aware of the situation faced by the relocated communities from Makhanga Island, who have been split between Osiyana in Senior Chief Mlolo's area and Traditional Authority Mbenje's area.
Mandala said his department has drilled boreholes in the new settlements but plans are underway to add more in both areas, including Traditional Authority Mbenje.
He also revealed that social services such as schools, health facilities, and markets will be built in all the new settlements.
The relocation of communities from Makhanga Island has brought about water access challenges in their new settlement areas, prompting calls for more interventions by relevant authorities.