Scots extend projects in Malawi
The Scottish government, through the University of Strathclyde, said it is happy with the implementation and progress of Scotland-Chikwawa Health Initiative (SCHI) and has promised to extend the project to seven other districts in the Southern Region.
Speaking during a one-day dissemination workshop, Professor Robert M Kalin from University of Strathclyde in Glasgow said they have realised a positive working relationship with Water for People, Ministry of Health and Chikwawa District Council.
“We are very happy with the way the project has impacted on water resource and integrated water resource management, health, hygiene and sanitation in Chikwawa District.
“There have been a whole series of programmes since 2005 and we are fortunate to have another two more sources of funding and as we announced on World Water Day, we are expanding the project in Chikwawa and we are also discussing with Ministry of Agriculture and Water Development to see how we can extend it further to seven other districts,” he said.
In her remarks, SCHI project manager Dr Tracy Morse said the project has indeed been successful and people in Chikwawa are drinking potable water which, among other things, is keeping them away from cholera and other waterborne diseases.
Chikwawa district commissioner Bester Mandere commended the Scotland government for the project, saying the dissemination meeting was vital because they were sharing experiences on the project.
Explained Mandere: “Despite having floods where other boreholes were damaged, the water situation in Chikwawa is very good and so far in this project we have planted about 180 boreholes in the area of T/A Chapananga where this project is currently running.
“However, we are facing challenges because the water sector has not devolved resources and staff to the council in case the boreholes need maintenance. We cannot take resources from this project to use in maintaining the damaged boreholes so I am appealing to the government to help us because water is life.”
The partnership between University of Strathclyde, Water for People and Ministry of Health has been there since 2005. n
