This is why we walk: Chipolopo Community, Malawi
March 28, 2013
Pictured above is the water treatment enclosure that houses the community's safe water solution. Behind the enclosure are two safe water storage tanks. Note the solar array mounted to the roof of the enclosure.
According to the report, the water system is still running well. Read parts of it yourself:
On overall progress:
"This is one of the most successful projects- running well providing sufficient water to all people at Chipolopolo and surrounding villages without major problems since installation. The community is well organized ensuring safety of safe water project equipments."
On financial sustainability:
"The beneficiaries continue to contribute MK150 per month each household. The community has exceeded 100% on both revenue collections and savings towards project sustainability. All beneficiary chiefs with the members have cultivated maize fields to bring the harvest together and sell as one way of raising project sustainability funds. This has been the best community when it comes to monthly revenues and savings towards project sustainability. Water Missions is convinced to graduate the community to be self reliant."
On community ownership and the Safe Water Committee (SWC):
"The SWC, together with village Chiefs, have consistently taught community members on good hygiene and sanitation practices using the information and materials acquired during the TOT provided by Water Missions International. Apart from observing good hygiene and sanitation practices, the majority have recognized the importance of safe water which has increased utilization hence reducing water born diseases in the community."
This is the permanent tap that brings safe water from the community's safe water solution to a convenient location for every member of the community. In the background you'll see a blue case. The case is a water quality testing kit that a WMI technician uses to test the water for the quarterly report.
Included in the report are testimonials collected from members of the community.
-THOM ALIKANJERO (Secretary for Chipolopo's Safe Water Committee)
“One year down the line, we experience drastic difference; there are no diarrhea diseases in the village as compared to previous time. Good hygiene and Sanitation practices are easily followed since women draw water at their doorsteps. Time is no longer wasted in search of safe water, so women can focus more on productive activities than before," said Thom.
Looking at how healthy and productive the community has become, other development players have given them goats for sharing after multiplying to improve their economic status. The secretary appreciated Water Missions, Rotary and Nkhoma C.C.A.P Church & Society for all efforts done to provide Chipolopolo community with safe water, and not forgetting a Calvary Chapel Missionary Couple: Pastor Steve and Nora Braselton who helped to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
-GOODSON (Safe Water System Operator)
The operator, who has always fulfilled his task of making sure the water is treated for consumption of people said, “It is true that safe water eliminates diarrhea diseases.” Apart from comparing with years before safe water provision, they got evidence when one tap from Chief Master had a problem. The beneficiaries of this tap went back to drink from the old borehole. After consuming untreated water from the borehole, many people complained of diarrhea in the area and pleaded with the SWC to fix the problem to rescue them. Soon after fixing the tap, beneficiaries started drinking treated water from the system and later diarrhea cases ceased henceforth. This inspired the whole community to continue valuing safe water for their own well-being.
-MARTHA CHAWALA (Community Member)
Mrs Martha Chawala testified great improvement of health for people living in Chipolopolo community. She said, “We enjoy drinking chlorinated water so much that when we go to other places we struggle to drink water from unprotected sources.” Hygiene and sanitation practices are easily met even if they are tied with other activities because they no longer walk long distances to fetch water. “Now, we bathe quite often per day unlike before, our clothes are always clean due to availability of clean and safe water,” said Martha.
Chipolopo women and children gather at the taps to collect water. As you read above, they are now healthy and delighted to have safe water access in their own community.
Friends, this is why we walk for water. We walk for sustainable solutions that will break the poverty cycle and serve communities for generations.
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