By Suleman Chitera
Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL) Friday donated a solar-powered water pump worth K11.5 million to Chiyendausiku Health Centre in Balaka to improve access to clean and portable water for patients and health workers at the facility.
The company delivered a high-capacity solar water pump and panels as part of its corporate social responsibility program to improve healthcare services and community welfare.
PIL General Manager Martin Msimuko, said the company responded to an urgent request for access to potable water at the health centre, which caters for more than 15,000 community members.
“We had a call that Chiyendausiku Health Centre has no potable water, and we decided to respond favourably after consulting our shareholders so that we could assist them with a solar water pump and panels,” he said.
He added that the solar-powered system will ensure the facility has reliable water access even during power outages, which have become common in the country.
“With the country experiencing blackouts, we believe solar is the way to go. It will help them access water at all times and improve services for mothers and children at the health centre,” he said.
Msimuko further said the company has lined up several corporate social responsibility initiatives this year aimed at supporting communities across all three regions.
District Medical Officer for Balaka District Council, Dr Aisha Katita, said the facility’s access to a reliable water supply is a critical step towards strengthening maternal and newborn care services.
“Today, we are excited to witness this magnificent event, whereby we are receiving a handover of a high-capacity solar-powered water pump.”
“As health workers, whenever we are assisting our patients, what we want is to ensure safe deliveries for our mothers and newborn babies. As we are providing services, we need a continuous water supply, uninterrupted and safe,” she said.
The new solar water pump is expected to significantly improve hygiene, sanitation, and the overall quality of healthcare services at Chiyendausiku Health Centre, particularly for expectant mothers and newborn babies.
Speaking on behalf of the health centre committee, member Harriet Mainala expressed gratitude to PIL, saying the donation will go a long way in helping the community.
“We are grateful to PIL for this donation. Before they installed the pump, patients were asked to draw water before receiving treatment. Now all of that is in the past,” she said.
PIL is a consortium of four oil marketing companies namely Petroda, Puma, TotalEnergies and Vivo Energy
