By Tom Webber | U.S. Development Director
The Malawi water well refurbishment project started in February 2023 and 8 wells have now been completed. This is a great improvement for the people suffering from the water crisis in the area surrounding the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, and excellent progress for the wildlife living within the Reserve. Thank you to our generous supporters for their contributions that allow BridgIT to refurbish broken water wells in Malawi.
BridgIT is proud of the impacts of these projects for both the people and the wildlife. Access to clean and safe water has been restored to 1,290 people, with an immediate reduction in the incidence of waterborne diseases, particularly cholera. The average distance women have to walk to collect water is reduced from several kilometers to an average of 500 meters, saving both time and lessening the drudgery of this daily domestic task. Through our education efforts, these projects fill the knowledge and capacity gap currently seen in communities in return for their efforts in wildlife conservation, to the benefit of the animals.
BridgIT's implementing partner for these projects is the Wildlife & Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM). Led by Branch Manager, Yassin Rasheed, WESM is dedicated to working with community members in the villages to ensure that the refurbished wells remain a sustainable resource. During the community planning meetings, Yassin and his team establish Water Management Committees to own and manage the wells. Diversity is important, so women, young people, and at least one person with a disability are members, and the Treasurer position is always reserved for a woman. The Committee establishes a small user fee, and over time user fees build a fund to cover future well maintenance costs. In addition, WESM trains young people in each village on well maintenance so they can make any needed repairs. Post-construction meetings include training on good water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices such as using clean containers and building and using latrines for homes.
There are hundreds of villages with broken water wells surrounding the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, and BridgIT will continue this fundraising campaign so we can help both the communities surrounding the Reserve and the wildlife living within it, particularly the elephants.
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