By Blackson Mkupatira

Chiradzulu, June 10, Mana: The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Water for People announced on Tuesday that it is making significant progress in providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services through its ongoing Grant 600 Project in Chiradzulu District.

Speaking during a WASH District Coordination Team (DCT) meeting, the organization’s District Coordinator for Chiradzulu, Dorothy Bandawe, said their goal was to ensure that every person in the district has access to quality water, sanitation and hygiene services.

“So, among other initiatives this year, we are rehabilitating boreholes, upgrading solar-powered water systems, promoting hygiene in communities, revamping Water Point Committees, and constructing pit latrines in schools.

“And so far, 17 out of the 25 targeted boreholes have been tested, and two solar-powered water systems have been upgraded and handed over to communities,” she said.

Bandawe added that the organisation has also revamped four scheme management committees and 25 water point committees, and facilitated the signing of 1,200 service contracts with the committees to ensure timely repairs of boreholes.

Chiradzulu District Hospital Environmental Health Officer, Veronica Nkukumira appealed to the organization for further support, saying persistent water shortages are affecting service delivery at the hospital.

“We have four water sources but they are often dry, putting a strain on health workers, patients, and guardians,” she said.

Chiradzulu District Council Water Development Officer, Mcpheson Kuseli hailed Water for People for the efforts saying their interventions are crucial in addressing water related issues in communities.

On the water situation at the district hospital, the DWDO said a project by Southern Region Water Board was in the pipeline that will supply water to the facility but lamented that theft and vandalism of vital components were affecting it's completion.

"Recently we had an interface meeting with communities surrounding the hospital because of theft cases,” said Kuseli.

The grant, totalling $2,150,000, is being implemented from January 2025 to December 2025 across the districts of Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Ntchisi, and Neno.