For generations, the residents of Patrick Village in Malawi’s Salima District faced the daily hardship of fetching water from a distant river, shared with livestock. Contaminated water led to recurring illness, and the time spent collecting it kept children out of school.
That changed on April 29, 2024, when the donors of Water Wells for Africa (WWFA) gifted the solution of the village’s first-ever water well. Now, clean water is just steps away, and its impact is reshaping the community.
From Survival to Sustainability
Beyond improved health, the water well has unlocked new economic opportunities. Families are growing gardens, selling the surplus to generate income. Florence Kafulomani, a longtime resident, shares how this transformation has changed her life:
“I have never done home gardening in my life. Now I’ve grown maize and vegetables as a result of this well.”
Margret Mpinganjira, another villager, highlights additional financial benefits of having water for livestock:
“We are able to raise goats now, something we couldn’t do before. We sell them and use the money for school fees. Our lives have improved.”
Protecting the Water Well for the Future
Recognizing the importance of preserving this vital resource, the community has taken proactive steps to safeguard their new water source. As Margret explains:
“Our plan is to protect the well by building a fence around it and planting more trees so that the water table does not go down.”
To achieve this, the community has taken the following steps:
- Planting tree seedlings around the well to:
- Help maintain groundwater levels by allowing tree roots to absorb and retain moisture in the soil.
- Prevent soil erosion, which could lead to sedimentation and contamination of the well.
- Provide shade to reduce water evaporation, ensuring the well’s water remains available.
- Act as a windbreak, protecting the well area from dust and debris.
- Building a protective fence around the well to:
- Prevent livestock and animals from accessing the well and potentially contaminating the water source.
- Safeguard the Afridev handpump from physical damage or tampering by both animals and people.
- Maintain clean, safe surroundings by reducing the risk of muddy, stagnant water that attracts insects.
- Promote hygiene and organization by establishing a designated, safe space for water collection.
With clean water, Patrick Village is not just surviving—it’s thriving. The well has become a foundation for health, education, and economic growth, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come—all thanks to the generous WWFA donors!
