Lilongwe residents demand boreholes
Some Lilongwe residents in Areas, 24, 25 and 36 have asked their councillors, through Mzinda platform, to sink boreholes as one way of responding to water scarcity currently facing the Capital City.
Mzinda is an online platform created by Mhub to generate an engagement between citizens and office bearers on issues affecting their day-to-day livelihoods.
Reads one comment from Area 36: “We want boreholes in Area 36 in Chakhoma Area, Phwetekere Ward to be specific.”
Another resident from Area 24 said the borehole they got damaged a long time ago. She asked their councillor to assist.
Area 36 councillor Stella Khumula responded: “We will ask non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help us dig boreholes.”
Area 24 councillor Elijah Botha said he was aware of the problem. He, however, asked the area to set up a committee which would be given the money (for the borehole).
In an earlier interview, projects officer for Citizen for Justice, a partner of Mhub, David Samuel, praised the work of Mzinda which, he said, has allowed some Malawians to express their rights.
“Mzinda platform has helped to develop engagement among citizens, authorities and the service providers. The idea is not to discredit anyone but to add to the traditional means such as physical interaction and community meetings. This plays a critical role in enhancing citizen engagement,” he said. n
