Study Reveals Dowa Water Points Functionality at 71 Percent
However, the study also highlighted a concerning gap of 29 percent in terms of the sustainability of water points.
Dowa, Malawi-A recent study conducted by Self Help Africa in the areas of Traditional Authorities Dzoole and Mkukula in Dowa district has shed light on the functionality of water points in the district, indicating a 71 percent functionality rate, writes Vincent Gunde.
However, the study also highlighted a concerning gap of 29 percent in terms of the sustainability of water points.
Self Help Africa (SHA) has been actively engaged in the implementation of a comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) project in the region.
This project encompasses various aspects of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene. Under the water supply component, the organization is involved in drilling new boreholes, constructing piped water systems, and rehabilitating non-functional and semi-functional boreholes, with a particular focus on sanitation and hygiene.
As part of their commitment to improving water supply and access, SHA's donor, Charity: Water, is investing significantly in water supply projects.
They have initiated a pilot project in Dowa district known as "Professionalizing Rural Water Supply Maintenance."
Chifundo Mandala, WASH Project Manager for Self Help Africa in Dowa, explained that professionalizing rural water supply maintenance is a strategy aimed at enhancing the sustainability of boreholes and other water points. This involves moving from basic maintenance to professional maintenance practices.
The project is set to run for 12 months, with a primary focus on building the capacity of the District Water Office to effectively monitor the functionality of all water points.
It will also provide essential equipment to the office, including computers and smartphones, to facilitate data collection and analysis for informed decision-making.
Furthermore, the project aims to empower and enhance the capacity of Area Mechanics at the community level.
This will be achieved by providing them with smartphones and bicycles to improve their mobility when providing maintenance services to the communities. Additionally, the project will work on improving the reporting mechanisms of Area Mechanics.
Mandala emphasized that the project will also focus on raising awareness among water users about the importance of paying for water services.
The aim is to convey that water services are not free, and it is hoped that this understanding will lead to increased adoption of service level agreement contracts between Area Mechanics and the community for borehole maintenance.
Mandala stated, "The project will conduct more sensitization meetings within the communities to increase the adoption and signing of service level agreements with the Area Mechanics for professional borehole maintenance."
Dowa District Council's Director of Planning and Development, Mercy Mpakule, expressed optimism that the project would enhance the efficiency of safe water services. She also encouraged government sectors to support the initiative.
Mpakule advised Self Help Africa to obtain a borehole drilling license from the National Water Resources Authority (NWRA), as it is a government directive that all boreholes drilled in the district, whether by the council or partners, must meet the required standards set by the NWRA.
She further encouraged Self Help Africa to regularly provide progress reports on the project to the District Executive Committee (Dec) to enhance cooperation, transparency, and accountability in the implementation of the project within the district.
Self Help Africa will carry out the "Professionalizing Rural Water Supply Maintenance Project" in Dowa district for a period of 12 months, with support from Charity: Water amounting to $200,000, which is approximately K210,400,000.
This initiative aims to improve the functionality and sustainability of water points in the region, ensuring that communities have continued access to safe and reliable water sources.