A Water Problem is a Life Problem: Interview with Yona Maloto
Interview with Yona Maloto
Yona Maloto has been a Water Field Assistant for Orant’s Water & Sanitation program since 2020.
He completed a plumbing course at SMED in 2016. Later, he upgraded at Phwezi Rural Technical. There, he finished Plumbing Level 3 and received an advanced certificate in craft in 2018.
We interviewed him to learn more about his work.
What does your day-to-day job look like?
My overall job is to support the WASH program’s initiatives. Specifically, my day-to-day involves organizing pump repair exercises in communities. I also supervise borehole drilling, conduct WASH needs assessments, and promote sanitation. Apart from these core duties, I also support plumbing activities within the Orant Charities Africa campus.
What excites you the most about your job?
Madzi ndi moyo – water is life. My job provides clean and safe water to people. I’m here to help people live. It is so fulfilling.
A water problem is a life problem. When people lack clean water for drinking and household activities, their health, hygiene, and life quality is affected.
Seeing people’s lives transformed through a new improved water source is priceless.
Any future plans for Orant’s WASH program?
In the next few years, we’d like the whole Kasese area to have access to clean and safe water. This will help reduce the long distances that people travel for water. It will also reduce incidences of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea.
Furthermore, depending on the availability of funds, we would like to expand our initiatives. Ideally, we will reach the whole Chakhadza Traditional Authority.
Apart from expanding our catchment, we would also like to explore other technologies. Piped water schemes have the potential to provide water closer to households. They can also support people in areas where it is difficult to drill boreholes due to groundwater saline.
