Families: 42 + 3 other villages
Water Committee: 4 men and 6 women

Chepitala Bilila has received its first source of clean, safe water, bringing immediate and life-changing transformation to families who have struggled for generations.

Before the water well, villagers relied on a handpump one kilometer away and shallow hand-dug wells that frequently caused waterborne illnesses. Families were limited to just two buckets of water per day, leaving them unable to wash clothes or bedding. Children slept on dirty bedding and often developed coughs. Villagers visited the clinic four times a month, walking five kilometers and spending MK 10,000 per trip—money that is now saved and used to buy food during the famine and pay school fees.

Since the borehole’s installation, the community reports zero cases of cholera or diarrhea. Families now bathe two to three times a day, enjoy better-tasting food, and finally have enough water for hygiene and household work. Women shared that they can now cook nsima and fetch water at the same time—something they described as impossible before.

Clean water has also transformed the community’s family dynamics and safety.
 Before, long distances and long waits for water led to domestic violence, suspicion, and even unwanted pregnancies. Today, these problems have been eliminated. Women on the water committee expressed pride in their leadership roles, and men voiced their happiness that women are being trusted.

“Our people are so happy to have water,” said Chief Rayson Dumbo.

School attendance has dramatically improved, with 95% of children now attending, clean and ready for class. Many children used to skip school because they couldn’t bathe or were frequently sick. The money saved from clinic trips is helping families pay school fees consistently.

Small businesses—such as selling fish and tomatoes—have begun to emerge, and the community says their greatest benefit is time. With water nearby, families can complete chores whenever they need and have reclaimed hours each day once spent walking for water.

The water committee has already taken responsibility for maintaining the borehole, replacing rubber seals twice and a pump rod just this week—ensuring the well will serve generations to come.

Chepitala Bilila Village now celebrates restored health, dignity, and opportunity—made possible by their first clean water source in history.