Chief tips ministry on cholera outbreak

BY WATIPASO MZUNGU JNR



        I've never tasted clean water: GVH Samson



Group Village Headman Samson of T/A Thomas in Thyolo have pleaded with government to consider drilling boreholes in primary schools around the area to save pupils from cholera outbreaks during the imminent rainy season.

Taking advantage of the recent visit Deputy Minister of Irrigation and Water Development Grenenger Msulira-Banda undertook to Manthimba Irrigation Scheme, Samson tipped government of the cholera outbreaks in his area rainy season is drawing closer.

“Every year, this area registers cholera outbreaks owing to the fact that we draw water for domestic use from unprotected sources. We just hear our friends are drinking water from boreholes elsewhere. Why can’t we have one here?” asked the chief.

“I’ve never drunk water from a borehole and my body is acclimatized to unsafe water. But I’m pleading with you, sir, to consider drilling a borehole at Manthimba Primary School just to save our pupils from cholera because their bodies are still tender,” Samson added.

In his remarks, Msulira-Banda assured the villagers that his ministry would look into the issue.

“I’ll take up the issue with the minister and see how best we can help. It’s government wish that every Malawian should be drinking protected water,” he said.

The deputy minister then applauded the villagers for intensifying irrigation farming at Manthimba Irrigation Scheme.

Earlier, chairperson for the scheme Charles Mkwapatira told the deputy minister and officials from Blantyre Irrigation Services Division under which Manthimba falls that the scheme needs financial assistance for maintenance and redesigning of the canals.

Mkwapatira said as the membership of irrigation farmers is increasing, it was apparent that the schemes need to redesign so that they can accommodate more farmers.

END