The Kabuluzi Piped Water Project
Guest Author: Opulence Malawi
The Kabuluzi Piped Water Project
In the villages surrounding Kasese, Dowa District, life has always been a struggle against unsafe water. For years, salty, unclean sources have posed significant health risks to the community, forcing families to endure long walks to distant wells.
For children like 12-year-old Chimwemwe from Kabuluzi School, this meant frequent illnesses that disrupted her education. “I often miss classes because of stomach problems. Apart from that, during health breaks, I would go home to drink water, but since it is far, I often returned late,” she says, her eyes reflecting both hope and weariness.
Lack of Access to Clean Water
Access to clean water is a basic right, yet it remains a luxury for many in rural Malawi. Over 30% of the population still relies on unsafe water sources, leaving communities vulnerable to cholera, diarrhea, and other preventable diseases.
According to the UNICEF 2021, Report on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Malawi, the burden falls hardest on women and children, who spend hours each day fetching water, which could otherwise be used for education or economic activities.
How Orant is Making Changes
However, hope has come to Kabuluzi and six surrounding villages in the form of the Kabuluzi Piped Water Project, a solar-powered water system implemented by Orant Charities Africa.
Launched on December 13th, 2024, the project now provides clean, reliable water to over 1,500 people, transforming lives and redefining futures.
In this project, Orant has invested over 60 million Kwacha, transforming the lives of Kabuluzi families by addressing a long-standing issue through the provision of clean water and significantly reducing the hours previously spent traveling to fetch unsafe water
The Kabuluzi Piped Water Project is an innovation designed to address both the immediate and long-term water needs of the community.
Spanning over two kilometers, the system consists of a central solar-powered storage tank that distributes water to seven strategically placed taps, including one at Kabuluzi School.
Village Leaders Embrace Change
Village leaders have embraced the project as a cornerstone for development. As Justen Banda, chairperson of the Kabuluzi Water Committee highlights the community’s responsibility in maintaining the system. “This project belongs to us. We must ensure that we are custodians of this wonderful development so that it lasts for generations to come because clean water is life,” he says.
Senior Chief Chakhaza, under whose jurisdiction the project falls, praises Orant Charities Africa for bringing lasting change to the area. “For years, we have depended on salty water that has caused us illness. Today, I see clean water flowing in our villages, something I never thought would be possible in my lifetime,” he comments.
The Ripple Effect of Clean Water
The project has also sparked hope among education stakeholders. Chimwemwe’s headteacher at Kabuluzi School explains the ripple effect clean water brings. “When children are healthy, they attend school consistently, and that improves their performance. This project is not just about water; it is about giving our children a chance at a better future.”
Orant Charities Africa remains steadfast in its mission to improve access to clean water in underserved communities. By aligning its efforts with Malawi’s Vision 2063, which prioritizes universal access to safe water, the organization is helping to build a healthier, more equitable society.
Our Long-Term Vision
Country Director Gabriel Kapanda emphasizes Orant’s long-term vision for sustainable water solutions. “The Kabuluzi Piped Water Project is just one step in our broader mission. We aim to replicate this success in other areas where the need is equally pressing. With the community’s support, this project will serve as a model for similar interventions in the future,” he said.
Kapanda also emphasizes the critical role of the community in safeguarding development. “For this project to reach other communities in the future, those currently benefiting from the Kabuluzi project must demonstrate ownership and commitment to its sustainability.”
Mr Pelekamoyo, representing Dowa District Council Water Development Officer, expresses his appreciation for the efforts of Orant Charities in Kasese. “As the government, we do not have all the resources needed to promote access to clean and safe water that is why most of the time we rely on organizations like you, Orant. We welcome this development and, if possible, encourage you to extend your reach to other areas within your catchment area and beyond.”
A New Chapter for Kabuluzi
For Kabuluzi and its neighboring villages, the journey to clean water has been a long one, but the taps now flowing with safe water mark the beginning of a new chapter. Health, education, and economic opportunity are no longer distant dreams but achievable goals.
As Chimwemwe splashes her face with fresh water from one of the taps, she smiles and says, “Now I can go to school every day and become a doctor in the future.” Her words echo the transformation taking place across the community, a transformation powered by innovation, sustained by commitment, and driven by the shared dream of a brighter future for all.
