Families: 130 households across 4 villages
Water Committee: 4 men and 6 women

In Njati, getting drinking water meant making a choice about how much time a family could afford to spend collecting it. The existing well, about 1.5 kilometres away, provided only one bucket of drinking water before residents had to rely on the Chiluwa River for the rest. When the well could not meet demand, families turned to the river even though its water was not safe.

The consequences reached beyond the water source. Violet Flatiya explained that the time spent collecting water affected the community’s everyday activities and development. Families also faced diarrhoea and costly medical visits, with private clinic trips ranging from K20,000 to K100,000 because the government hospital was far away.

The new 40-metre well is the second well in the area and now serves four villages. With a closer source of clean water, families hope to reduce waterborne illnesses and spend less time travelling to meet their daily needs.

For Agnes Henry, a farmer and mother of five who has lived in the area since childhood, easier access to water creates more room for family life and farming. Residents are beginning to establish gardens and are considering small businesses and brickmaking to improve their homes and livelihoods.

Children are also seeing a difference. At Chiluwa 2 Primary School, reported attendance has increased from 60% of girls and 40% of boys to 80% for both. The community hopes this progress continues as families find it easier to manage their daily routines.

The water committee includes four men and six women. Margret Magombo, 58, is especially happy to have been elected to a leadership role. Although the committee has yet to receive its Community-Based Management training, its members will help care for the well that now serves their four villages.