In the heart of Mangochi District, Ganizani Village stands as a beacon of transformation thanks to the installation of a life-changing water well by Water Wells for Africa (WWFA).
Established in 2004 under Malawi’s Land Reclamation Program, the village was created to offer families from the southern region new opportunities for agricultural development. However, for nearly two decades, these opportunities were severely limited by one major challenge: the lack of access to clean water.
The Struggles of Ganizani Village
Since its inception, Ganizani Village’s only water source was the contaminated Mua River—a distant and unreliable water supply. During the dry season, the river would often dry up completely, forcing villagers to walk for hours in search of any available water. The water they found frequently carried diseases like cholera and diarrhea, leading to widespread illness. Children missed school as they were either sick or spending time fetching water, and tensions arose within families as the long search for water tested relationships and trust, with some men suspecting their wives of having affairs when they were gone for many hours fetching water.
“It was hell living in this village without access to clean water,” recalled village resident Justin Ganizani, 66. “Imagine being put in this area with no water! Life was really unbearable for most families—we had to go for too many days without bathing.”
A New Beginning
In May 2023, WWFA installed a deep water well in Ganizani Village, marking the beginning of a brighter future. The well, drilled to a depth of 50 meters, now serves 32 families. The transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.
With clean water now readily available, cases of cholera and other waterborne diseases have drastically decreased. Children can attend school consistently without the burden of water collection. Families no longer spend precious hours trekking to the river, and the community has experienced an economic revival.
“Water is everything! We used to try to use as little water as possible, but now we can use as much as necessary,” said Jessy Binali, 57, wife of Justin Ganizani.
Justin and Jessy offered their land to host the well, and the family’s life has completely changed. With the new water supply, they started a garden where they grow vegetables and corn—both for their own meals and to sell at local markets. The profits have enabled them to pay for their son Rodrick’s secondary school exam fees.
The Ganizani family is not stopping there. With water readily available, they have molded 10,000 bricks to build a new house for their grown children. Because they have water for animals to drink,they’ve also begun raising livestock —a goat and four chickens—with dreams of expanding to 50 goats and 100 chickens.
“This is only possible because of the water,” Justin said. “Look at the building projects in this village! We never had these before. Some people left the village because we had no water. Now, people are staying and thriving.”
Ripple Effects Across the Community
The impact of the well extends far beyond individual families. Ganizani Village now boasts small-scale businesses, vegetable gardens, and ongoing construction projects—all fueled by clean water. The community’s health has improved, families have greater financial stability, and children’s education is no longer sacrificed for the basic need of water.
“We used to spend MK4,000 [Malawi kwacha currency] for transportation to the clinic three or four times a month and MK10,000 for treatment, especially during the rainy season,” one community member shared. “Now, we use that money to plant gardens, build houses, and pay school fees.”
A Testament to Transformation
The well at Ganizani Village, funded by Westwood Presbyterian Church, is more than just a source of water—it is a symbol of hope and renewal. The words “Madzi, Zonse”—meaning “The Blessing of God”—are etched into the well, a testament to the life-giving power of clean water.
WWFA’s intervention has not only quenched thirst but has given Ganizani Village the opportunity to dream bigger and build a better future. Through the generosity of donors and the resilience of the community, Ganizani Village now thrives—proving that clean water is the foundation for transformation.
If you’re inspired to help others’ dreams come true, please donate today!
