In the heart of Mchinji, Malawi, lies Levison Village, a small community that had long struggled with access to clean water where for generations, the villagers had to rely on contaminated water sources, leading to frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases and countless health issues.
“The situation seemed dire, and the villagers felt trapped in a cycle of poverty and illness,” reported Sabrina Vatanshoeva, international program director of our in-country partner, the Our AIM Foundation (OAF).
Although some of the villages had “open wells” as opposed to boreholes, it is noted that open wells can be easily contaminated by surface water runoff, poor well construction and nearby activities leading to bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants entering the water supply.
Boreholes, such as those drilled by Bread and Water for Africa®, supplied with hand pumps protect the underground water from such possible contamination.
So, in 2024, Bread and Water for Africa® teamed up once again with OAF to rectify the life-threatening matter in Levison and several other Malawian villages in the region.
“Levison Village was identified as one of the communities in desperate need, and the foundation pledged to drill a borehole to provide the villagers with a sustainable source of clean water,” said Sabrina.
“The news of the foundation’s initiative spread rapidly throughout the village, filling the air with a renewed sense of hope and optimism.
“Villagers eagerly awaited the arrival of the drilling team, knowing that their lives were about to change for the better.”
And finally, after years – even decades — of dreaming of one day having clean water, that day arrived and the villagers were thrilled when the drilling team, accompanied by representatives from OAF who were there to oversee the project.
In Sabrina’s words:
“The villagers gathered around as the drilling commenced, their hopes and prayers focused on the promise of clean, accessible water.
“After several days of hard work, the drilling team struck water, and cheers erupted throughout the village.
“The borehole was a success, and clean water began flowing freely for the first time.
“Villagers no longer had to worry about the long, arduous journey to fetch water from contaminated sources.
“Instead, they could access clean water right in their own community.
“The impact of the borehole was immediate and far-reaching.
“With access to clean water, villagers could now focus on improving their lives and livelihoods.”
In due time, crops began to flourish, and their livestock thrived, leading to increased food security and economic stability for the community.
The village chief, Mr. Chimombo, expressed his gratitude to OAF and the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa® who made the grant funding possible, saying:
“As the chief of Levison Village, I cannot express enough gratitude to Our AIM Foundation and Bread and Water for Africa® for the borehole they have provided to our community through this clean water project.
“This borehole brings happiness to our community, and for that, we are truly grateful.”
Among the villagers in attendance on that historic day in Levison Village was Mrs. Kaliati, who had likely lived her entire life without convenient access to safe water and told us:
“Having clean water in our village is like a dream come true.
“We used to suffer from so many waterborne diseases, but now, thanks to Our AIM Foundation and Bread and Water for Africa®, we have access to clean water right here in our own community.
“Our children are healthier, our crops are growing better, and our future is brighter.
“We are so grateful to Our AIM Foundation and Bread and Water for Africa® for this life-changing gift.”
The boreholes provided by Bread and Water for Africa and OAF in Levison and several other villages including Msaipute but had also given them hope for a better, healthier future.
“With access to clean water, the possibilities were endless, and the villagers were eager to make the most of this newfound opportunity,” says Sabrina.
