By Sarah Munthali

Lilongwe, August 12, MANA: First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera has underscored the need for communities in the country to have access to clean and potable water to ensure a healthier and dignified future.

She made the remarks on Monday, during the handover ceremony of a Solar powered water reservoir project, at Lisoka Trading Centre in the area of Senior Chief Khongoni donated by the Muslim World League (MWL) worth K150 million.

“Water is the essence of life, and by providing access to this precious resource, you have given our community the means to thrive.

“The impact of this reservoir cannot be overstated. It will alleviate the daily struggle for water that so many in our community face, reducing the burden on women and children who often walk long distances to fetch water,” said Madam Chakwera.

She then hailed the Muslim world league for the project saying the donation is a clear demonstration of the generosity and compassion of the Muslim World.

The First Lady stated that the reservoir will also serve as a cornerstone for further development and collaboration.

In her remarks, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia said the 30,000 litres water project will sustain the lives of people in six villages around the water reservoir.

She then appealed to the MWL for more collaborative efforts to address other challenges the country is facing including climate related disasters.

“President Lazarus Chakwera has emphasized that his government would ensure that people in the country especially in the rural areas have water all year round, I have noted that some villages in this area don’t have access to safe water, my ministry will soon address the challenge,” she stressed.

Secretary general of the Muslim World League, Dr. Muhammad Bin Abdulkarim Al issa stated that the league will continue supporting projects aimed at alleviating challenges faced by communities in the country.

Senior Chief Khongoni highlighted that the water reservoir will address critical water shortage which the area experienced prior to the implementation of the project.

She expressed gratitude to the government and the MWL for bringing the project in her area.