Serah Muthali is a single mother with one child, running a small business selling mandasi and firewood to support day-to-day life in Bua, a village under Chikuwang’oma in Nothern Malawi. Recently, she was elected to the WASH committee for the community of 285 households.
Bua, like many others in Malawi, faces ongoing challenges related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Access to clean water has been a critical concern, with only a few households owning latrines, bathrooms, or practising water treatment methods. Fortunately, Temwa has stepped in to support Serah and her family with water filters, which has sparked significant progress in the community.
Temwa’s mid-term report on its WASH initiative in Nkhata Bay North highlights how lack of clean water leads to waterborne diseases, including cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea. Her village’s story resonates with the broader struggle faced by many in this region. Relying on open water sources for cooking and drinking, the community often risk contracting these diseases.
The water filters, introduced through Temwa’s WASH project, have given Serah and her community a new way to ensure clean and safe water for households, regardless of the source. By treating water at home, we are safeguarding families against diseases at the source.
Temwa’s project focuses on increasing awareness and knowledge in communities like ours. According to the mid-term report, many households in our region lacked basic WASH facilities before the project started. Temwa’s awareness activities, combined with the introduction of water filters, have helped transform villages in the region.
In Bua, very few homes initially owned latrines, contributing to poor sanitation and hygiene. However, the monthly awareness campaigns Temwa has initiated are making a difference. People are beginning to build latrines and bathrooms, which is essential for the overall health of the community.
“I hope to share what I’ve learned with my parents and the wider community, especially about keeping our environment clean and practising sanitation to prevent diseases like cholera.”
Our WASH committee has ensured that the price of water filters is affordable for everyone. The filters are sold at a subsidised price, allowing households to pay in instalments. Ten families already took filters home on the first day, showing that people see the value in them.
The support Temwa has provided is not just about tools; it’s about empowerment. As part of the WASH committee, Serah feels proud to be playing a role in leading my community towards better health and well-being.
In many ways, the transformation happening in Bua reflects the broader success of Temwa’s WASH initiative across the Nkhata Bay district. With training, awareness, and affordable access to clean water, villages in the area are on a path to a healthier, safer future.
Read more about the WASH project in the latest report here.