World Vision Brings Clean Water to Chiradzulu, Alleviating Health Concerns
People now have access to clean, treated water, mitigating the risk of waterborne diseases.
Chiradzulu, Malawi - Communities in and around Mipande, within the jurisdiction of Traditional Authority Mpama in Chiradzulu, have reason to rejoice as they finally have access to clean, treated piped water, thanks to the intervention of World Vision, writes Bridget Banda.
For years, the residents in this area had been compelled to drink untreated water from unprotected sources, a practise that made them susceptible to waterborne diseases such as cholera.
According to Favour Kabitchi, a villager in the region, the situation has taken a turn for the better since the installation of water tanks in 2020.
People now have access to clean, treated water, mitigating the risk of waterborne diseases.
Kabitchi expressed her gratitude, saying, "Health-wise, we have benefited a lot in our area because this water is already treated. We are not required to put anything in it, and since its operation, cholera disease is no longer affecting."
The positive impact of the project extends to small-scale farmers in the region. They now use the same treated water to irrigate their crops, consequently improving their yields and livelihoods.
Henry Utambe, Chairperson for the Water Tanks Management Committee, spoke of the overall transformation the introduction of piped water brought to the community.
"Since the introduction of the piped water project in 2020, all households in the area are benefiting as they use the already treated water, which has helped in reducing the spread of waterborne diseases," he stated. Before the project's inception, many residents sourced their water from streams without the means to treat it, heightening their vulnerability to diseases like cholera.
Despite the challenges the project has faced, such as damaged and vandalised pipes, there is hope for repair and continued access to clean and safe water for the community.
Village headman Mipande has played a crucial role in promoting hygiene and safe water practices within the community.
He said, "I have been organizing interface meetings with my people, and the response has been good. That is why we attracted World Vision to support us with the water tanks and pipes as one way of promoting hygiene."
Local health expert Maziko Matemba commended World Vision for its invaluable support in promoting hygiene and preventing diseases.
He stressed the importance of maintaining the facilities provided to ensure continued access to clean water for generations.
"This is a commendable development because it teaches people to prevent diseases rather than having to treat them, which is costly for the government," Matemba said.
As the residents of Mipande celebrate the arrival of clean water, the community remains dedicated to safeguarding the newly installed tanks and pipes, fostering better health and prosperity for the region.