Liquid Assets

Elizabeth with bucket.

Credit: WaterAid/Layton Thompson

Elizabeth lives in Mgona in Malawi’s capital city Lilongwe. Home to some of the city’s poorest inhabitants, Mgona is typical of the unplanned settlements that sprawl out from the city centre. Narrow alleyways wind their way through tightly packed homes. The high population density and unsanitary conditions here make it an environment where disease can quickly take a stranglehold.

From 1990 when a communal water kiosk was established, the community had thought the future of their water supply was assured. After all, they were diligently paying for every bucket they collected – money they thought was going to the Lilongwe Water Board supplying the water002 came a shock: the connection was cut due to the community being thousands of pounds in arrears. There was no choice but to return to the river for water.

The impact on public health was devastating as Elizabeth recounted: “There was more sickness at this time, and even an outbreak of cholera. Being a mother I was very worried about the health of my children.” It turns out that the money had not been reaching the water board.

“The water was cut off for about five months. It took me the whole day just to get two pails of water…”  They contacted WaterAid and in doing so set in place the beginnings of a unique partnership between the Lilongwe Water Board, a community based organisation and the community.

Trust was rebuilt between the community and the Lilongwe Water Board with the formation of six new water users’ associations across the city. The associations now officially have responsibility for managing the water supply to kiosks in their area in an arrangement with clear accounting procedures that everyone understands. The committees collect 2.5 kwacha (approx 3 cents) for a bucket of water.

“The day the water came back on I was very excited,” she says. “People were singing and dancing that day! I felt good because I’m able to do other things now.” With the water flowing again and the accounts in perfect order, the community is now also working to improve the area’s hygiene to further reduce the risk of disease. Composting latrines and handwashing are being promoted.

“It feels good because I feel like my hands are clean and most of the waterborne diseases are prevented by washing hands, I never get sick anymore, not once in the last year.” Concludes Elizabeth.