Emmanuel International Canada

Published purpose

This project aims to improve access to clean water and sanitation for 80,000 women, men, girls and boys in 92 communities in Zomba and Machinga districts in rural Malawi. Some project activities include: (i) digging 32 new wells (eight boreholes and 24 shallow wells); (ii) rehabilitating and protecting 60 failed or unprotected water points; (iii) building 3,576 improved sanitation facilities to ensure the proper treatment and disposal of sewage wastewater and prevent illness; and (iv) providing training to women and men to help them maintain and manage water and sanitation facilities in a sustainable manner, including training on operating and maintaining simple hand-pumps. The project also supports community groups to develop and implement locally tailored fundraising approaches to finance the upkeep of the water and sanitation facilities, and to develop group leadership and management skills, especially among women. Malawi is considered a water-stressed country, with only half the rural population having access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation. Water-borne diseases are among the major causes of death among young children in the country. This, together with pressure from population growth, makes urgent the provision of safe water, improved sanitation and the teaching of healthy hygiene habits. Local partners are: 1) Ministry of Health, 2) Ministry of Water Development; 3) Ministry of Education; 4) Village Leaders; and 5) Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi.