HOW BAD IS THE WATER SITUATION IN MALAWI?
By Ulemu Mbengwani
In Malawi, over 4 million people, which is 20% of the population, lack access to an improved source of water (USAID, 2020). While these statistics might be familiar to those who follow water-related issues, the reality behind the numbers is often overlooked. What does it truly mean to live without access to safe and reliable drinking water? Each statistic represents real people facing daily challenges. Today, I am uncovering the implications of Malawi's water crisis, bringing to light the human stories behind the data.
I traveled to Ntchisi district, where WaterAid Malawi, with support from the Wimbledon Foundation, is working to provide clean and safe water to 10 villages in dire need. During my trip, I visited four of these villages: Chipondo, Nyanja, Kawiya, and Chimanda and what I witnessed there was profoundly troubling. Despite my familiarity with water access statistics from my work in the WASH sector, this journey offered me a fresh and sobering perspective on the issue.
In Chipondo village, I met Jinny Francis, a 36-year-old mother of three, who revealed the extent of their struggle. She shared that for the past 12 years, they have been drinking from a puddle because their borehole broke down. This has been their only water source ever since.
“During the rainy season, when the rains come before we draw water, we cannot cook because the water becomes very dirty. We either have to wait for the water to clear up or ask friends who managed to draw water before the rainfall. Otherwise, we end up going to bed on an empty stomach because we could not cook,” said Francis.
“During the dry season, the water table drops, and the well dries up. When that happens, the men from the village dig to deepen the well so that we can find water. However, the water is not sufficient for the whole village, so we take turns. Sometimes, after one person fills a bucket, others must wait for the puddle to refill so they can also get a bucket,” she added.
Edina Yohane from the same village added that during the dry season, when the domesticated animals are on free range, pigs give them a tough time as it is not easy to control. They sometimes end up bathing in the same puddle, and the water becomes muddy. When that happens, they are forced to remove all the mud and wait for the water level to rise again.
“We rely on the Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) to give us chlorine so we can have safe drinking water. When the HSAs run out of chlorine, we must boil the water before consuming it. Our children and even ourselves often suffer from diarrhea, when we go to the hospital, they always say it is because of the water”, she added.
It was distressing to see tadpoles and insects clinging to the paddle. She had to gently nudge them aside with the small basin she used to transfer water into the bucket. Witnessing this was deeply concerning.
According to Paul Dustan Chiswe, an HSA for the Champhoyo area, which includes Chipondo village, the village has over 40 households with a total population of 250 people. Sadly, all these people rely on this unprotected water source.
"We have many cases of water-related diseases here compared to other areas with access to clean and safe water. These include eye infections, scabies, and diarrhea. We anticipate a significant drop in these cases once the borehole is installed. We also expect improved hygiene in terms of bathing and washing clothes due to the availability of safe and hygienic water. We are thankful to WaterAid for considering our area, and we urge them to also consider other areas facing this challenge," said Chiswe.
When I visited Kawiya, the scene was even more disheartening. Upon arrival, three women led us to their water source, located approximately 300 meters from their houses. They pointed out gullies from which they were drawing water just before the rainy season ended. Sadly, those gullies have now dried up. They have resorted to fetching water from another gully, which dries up after just three buckets. They explained that they must return home and wait for about two hours before they can collect another three buckets from the gully.
Anthony Dickson, the Group Village Head (GVH) for Kawiya, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that they are compelled to drink water from sources inhabited by frogs.
“During the rainy season, the situation becomes even more daunting as the water turns muddy, exacerbating the challenge. Community members often resort to placing buckets around my house to collect rainwater, since my house has iron sheets. We endure numerous cases of diarrhea and maintaining household hygiene becomes exceptionally difficult due to the need for water conservation. Essentials like Mpondagiya (improvised handwashing stations near toilets) are not prioritized, as we are sometimes forced to choose between hand washing or conserving water for cooking,” explained GVH Kawiya.
The dire situation of water scarcity and its profound impact on communities like those in Chipondo and Kawiya villages highlights a critical issue faced by millions across Malawi. With over 4 million people lacking access to improved water sources, the urgency of addressing this crisis cannot be overstated. Every statistic represents individuals and families struggling to meet their basic water needs, facing daily challenges and health risks.
My recent visit to Ntchisi has brought to light the harsh reality of the water crisis. Families like Jinny Francis', who have been relying on contaminated puddles for over a decade, are emblematic of the widespread struggle for clean water. Their stories underscore the urgent need for immediate action and additional support. As we witness communities resorting to extreme measures, such as drinking from gullies inhabited by frogs and scrambling to collect rainwater from makeshift sources, it is evident that the situation demands heightened attention and resources.
The provision of safe and reliable water sources, like the boreholes initiated by WaterAid Malawi with support from the Wimbledon Foundation, offers hope for improved health and well-being. However, the scale of the challenge extends far beyond the villages I visited. It encompasses millions of individuals across the country facing similar hardships.
Therefore, it is paramount for the government and all stakeholders to prioritize and intensify efforts in addressing the water crisis in Malawi. Together, we can work towards ensuring that every person has access to clean and safe water, safeguarding their health, dignity, and future prosperity.
