By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, May 10, Mana: Government has said the provision of safe water remains crucial in improving community’s livelihoods.

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Liana Kakhobwe Chapota made the remarks Friday when she inspected a piped water system constructed by Self Help Africa at Mtungwi in Senior Chief Chiwere in Dowa.

She said partners in the provision of safe water are key as they are complimenting governments efforts of improving the water sector.

The area which saw seven people dying from Cholera and 288 others suffering from the disease during the 2022-2023 Cholera outbreak.

"This is an area which was hit hard with Cholera in 2023 because many people did not have potable water. But we are happy we have this project and it is interesting to note that we have had no Cholera cases this year.

"This is a huge impact and in support of governments vision of providing access to clean water to all Malawians. There are few organizations that reach out to the people with tangible things as we have seen here, so we are very grateful for this," Chapota pointed out.

The Deputy Minister urged the community to jealously guard the facility so that it lasts long saying projects fully patronized by the people have long lasting impacts.

Self Help Africa Regional Manager, Snoden Tomoka said the K60 million worth system has a capacity of holding 20,000 litres of water and currently serve 400 households which is approximately 2,000 people.

He said the organization decided to construct the water system because WASH being one of their focus areas, they were concerned with how hard the area was hit with cholera.

“We have been working in Dowa since 2013 providing support to the district to provide access to water, sanitation and hygiene with support from Charity water.

“So, we witnessed one of the landmarks projects which is providing piped water to the people of Mtungwi which came about because of water challenges people had. Going forward, we will continue interventions in WASH in Dowa and other districts we are working in,” Tomoka said.

One of the beneficiaries, Chikondi Chiwiya from Mndola Village said most community members sourced water from a nearby stream which she said was a death trap.

“That is why we were hit hard by Cholera. But we are now thankful because we have safe water. As community members, we will continue to take care of this facility,” she promised.