Chiradzulu, February 15, 2016: UNICEF has given Development Aid From People to People (DAPP) K139 million to extend a Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project for one year in Chiradzulu, Thyolo and Blantyre.
DAPP’s District Coordinator for WASH project in Chiradzulu Alexander Mwenyemasi said they will use the money to drill boreholes, raise awareness on hygiene practices and train Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) on hygiene promotion.
District Water Officer (DWO) for Chiradzulu Alex Musicha has since asked communities in the district to take care of community assets that are provided by government and development partners to improve their living standards.
Musicha made the remarks Friday at the boma during District Water Coordinating Committee meeting where members expressed concern over persistent borehole vandalism and theft in the district.
Musicha noted with sadness that boreholes that are drilled basing on the need and demand from communities are the very same community assets being vandalized.
“The past six months, 16 boreholes have been vandalized across the district depriving people the right to access safe water. The water facilities are not imposed on them either. It’s the communities that demand for the facilities” said Musicha adding that drilling of a borehole currently costs about K3 million.
He said it is high time the communities graciously appreciate the tireless role government and development partners are playing by taking ownership of the assets through provision of community security.
“It is very appalling for such outrageous scenario to be taking place in a district that heavily relies on boreholes as a reliable source of water supply. We need to join hands to end the vice,” added Musicha.
