By Suleman Chitera | Malawi Freedom Network
Since late 2015, Pacific Limited—through its dedicated initiative, Pacific Borehole—has quietly reshaped the lives of millions of Malawians by bringing dead boreholes back to life. Led by entrepreneur Faisal Aboo, the program has rehabilitated more than 7,000 boreholes across multiple constituencies, providing sustainable access to clean water for communities long plagued by scarcity.
“We are not just fixing boreholes; we are restoring dignity and opportunity,” said Aboo.
A Model of Scale and Commitment
What began as a small operation has grown into a nationwide effort spanning 8 years. Working hand-in-hand with local leaders and community volunteers, the initiative has reduced the distance many villagers must walk to find safe drinking water. Constituencies that once relied on unsafe sources now report steady flows of clean water.
Investment and Partnerships
Pacific Limited has financed the initiative largely through private capital, with additional support from technical partners and community contributions. While exact figures remain undisclosed, sector experts estimate millions of kwacha have been invested to keep the program running at scale.
Impact on Daily Life
🚰 Access to Clean Water
Rural families now spend less time fetching water, freeing children to attend school and adults to focus on productive work.
🏥 Health and Hygiene
Health centers in targeted areas report a sharp decline in waterborne diseases, particularly cholera and diarrhea, as communities transition to safe water sources.
⏱ Economic and Social Productivity
Improved water access has boosted agricultural activities, reduced healthcare costs, and empowered women and girls who previously bore the brunt of water collection.
Summary at a Glance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Project launch | Late 2015 |
| Duration | ~8 years |
| Boreholes rehabilitated | 7,000+ |
| Constituencies reached | Multiple nationwide |
| Key beneficiaries | Rural households & schools |
| Health outcomes | Reduced waterborne diseases |
| Economic effects | Enhanced productivity |
Looking Deeper
Despite these achievements, a formal evaluation of the project’s sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term impact has yet to be conducted. Independent assessments and publicly available reports could help determine how best to replicate or scale such models for national water security.
Verdict
Pacific Borehole has become a beacon of practical innovation in Malawi’s water sector. By breathing life into existing infrastructure, it has proven that sustainable change doesn’t always require new construction—just commitment, vision, and action.
