By Mabvuto Kalawa, Correspondent
There is an old saying that “water is life,” but for residents of Nathenje Trading Centre in Lilongwe’s Msozi North Constituency, this statement no longer holds true.
For months now, the Nathenje Water Users Association (WUA) has failed to supply water to the local population, leaving communities in a state of desperation.
With taps running dry, residents have been forced to fetch water from distant boreholes, many of which are either malfunctioning or completely dry.
A random survey conducted by this reporter found that some areas, such as Dilawo Village, Katemera Village, and Maye Village, are particularly affected.
In these villages, the boreholes have stopped functioning altogether and the surrounding areas have been transformed into makeshift playgrounds for children.
Commenting on the crisis, Maurice Phiri, the Manager of the Nathenje Water Users Association, attributed the water supply failure to persistent electricity blackouts and severe financial constraints.
He went further to appeal for urgent support from well-wishers and donors to help the association overcome its challenges.
However, one of the association’s employees, who requested anonymity, provided a different perspective.
According to the employee, the real issue lies in the mismanagement of funds by some members of the association.
“Imagine, we have gone for months without receiving our salaries,” he said with a worried face.
“They only want to satisfy the needs of their families while our own families are suffering,” he added.
Echoing the sentiments of frustration, a consumer from Maye Village expressed deep disappointment in the association’s failure to meet its mandate.
He claimed that the association is being run by unqualified staff who lack professionalism in water management.
He further criticized the association for focusing only on connecting new consumers without expanding the water supply infrastructure.
“There is no effort to increase water capacity by drilling more boreholes or making use of existing dams in the area,” he noted.
On the issue of electricity blackouts, he urged the association to consider switching to solar-powered water systems to ensure uninterrupted supply.
“If this continues, we are at risk of suffering from waterborne diseases,” he warned.
The Nathenje Water Users Association was established in 2013 with funding from the Australian Government under the National Water Development Programme.
Its main objective was to provide safe and portable water to communities, schools, markets, and the health centre in the area.
However, more than a decade later, this objective has largely remained unfulfilled, leaving residents in distress and questioning the future of their basic right to clean water.
