WATER FOR PEOPLE BAILS OUT THOUSANDS FROM WATER WOES

By Meclina Chirwa 

In a drive to improve access to safe water, Water for People has constructed 110 water taps in Chikwawa district.

Water for People’s Water, Hygiene and Sanitation Engineer Thokozani Kaitane told Timveni that over 18 thousand people in Limphangwi area have benefited from the development.

“Through the programs that Water for People is implementing in the district, tremendous progress has been made in terms of access to safe water,” Kaitane said.

The statistics are dangerously not in favor of the general public when it comes to access to clean water. 

Chikwawa is among districts where water is a highly prized asset considering its vulnerability to climate shocks and population boom. 

Although access to safe water is increasing, there are blind spots especially in rural areas where the water crisis is compounded with poverty and lack of public investment.

One of the beneficiaries drawing water from the newly constructed tap

The nonprofit organization, Water for People is bailing out women from walking long distances to get water in Chikwawa district through implementation of its programs to expand water access. 

“The organization has rehabilitated 4  gravity fed water supply system at Limphangwi, Mapelera, Livunzu and Mbadzi and water treatment plant,” explained Kaitane.

Water for People is implementing similar projects in Blantyre and Chiradzulu districts.

Sustainable Development Goal number 6 which talks about clean water and sanitation stipulates that safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030 requires investing in adequate infrastructure, provision of sanitation facilities and encourage hygiene.

With 2030 fast approaching, Water for People, which was founded on nonprofit values, is proving that huge infrastructural investment is vital towards improved access to quality, safe and portable water.