Water Issues, Dowa, Malawi

Challenges:

This project located in Dowa, Malawi, addresses the issues of water security and sanitation. Prior to this initiative, the local communities were relying on the collection of stream water which was usually polluted. When the streams ran dry, the women and girls had to carry water from long distances. These circumstances often resulted in poor health.

Action:

Supported by gorta and run by the Participatory Rural Development Organisation, the project has initially targeted ten villages. One borehole, which is used to extract water from the ground, was drilled in five villages. Five other non-functional bores were improved and ten existing shallow wells and springs have been upgraded and protected. Improved toilets with hand washing facilities have also been constructed at most households, with significant local contribution.

Additionally, the Participatory Rural Development Organisation has provided extensive training on sanitation and health issues to villages committees, school health clubs and health centres. These trainings delivered many practical demonstrations for “getting health/water messages across to largely non-literate communities.” For example, a simple bucket with a lid contains drinking water. An easy and effective two-cup system eliminates contamination of this water, one cup is used to remove water from the bucket which is then poured into the second for drinking.   

Benefits:

The water committees now include a large membership of women. These women have become competent in the maintenance and repair requirements of their water hand pump. Overall, clean water security has proved significant and improved the lives of the entire community.

 

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