Embassy of Japan in Malawi
在マラウイ日本国大使館

Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects

Handover Ceremony
The Project for the Supply of Safe and Potable Water in Mangochi 

  August 28, 2015

On Friday, 28th August 2015, His Excellency Shuichiro Nishioka, Ambassador of Japan to Malawi handed over 20 boreholes constructed in the Project for the Supply of Safe and Potable Water in Mangochi District under the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects. The function was held at Nanumbwa School in Mangochi and was graced by Honourable Allan Chiyembekeza M.P., Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development.

Universal access to safe and potable water is vital and an essential factor for all human beings and it is important in driving the socio-economic development of a nation because of its impact on development sectors like education, agriculture, health, industry and so forth. Mangochi district has 2,935 boreholes serving a population of about 1.1 million people. This entails that, each borehole serves more than 350 people which is more than the recommended 250 people per borehole by the international guidelines. Due to limited access to safe water, many people especially women and girls in the rural areas have to wake up early in the morning to walk for 3 to 5 kilometers to the nearest borehole to draw water. Others end up drawing contaminated water from streams and springs, which can lead to the spread of water borne diseases like cholera and chronic diarrheas.

In order to address this challenge, the Government of Japan under the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects, provided a grant amounting to US$107, 259 to Gift of the Givers Foundation Malawi to improve access to safe and potable water among people of Mangochi. The grant specifically facilitated the construction of 20 boreholes in 18 villages in Mangochi District.

Speaking during the ceremony, Ambassador Nishioka said that, through this support, people from the 18 villages and surrounding, are now drinking safe water and occurrence of water borne diseases in these villages will be reduced. He also underlined that women and girls no longer need to spend a lot of time fetching water. Women will be able to participate in socio-economic activities and more girls will be able to attend classes. He hoped that, eventually, these communities will enjoy improved social and economic development through this project.