Mchinji's Million Village Gets Clean Water From Permaculture Paradise Institute

Mchinji, Malawi-Permaculture Paradise Institute, a social enterprise, demonstration, and training centre that promotes permaculture systems in Malawi, has partnered with Sopowerful Foundation to provide clean water to Million Village in Mchinji District, writes Bridget Mwanoka.

The institute handed over a solar water project to Traditional Authority Kawere, benefiting 165 families and approximately 800 individuals.

According to the institute's Founding Director, Luwayo Biswick, the project aims to uplift the welfare of vulnerable Malawians and alleviate poverty.

"The solar pump will help farmers establish 165 food forests or gardens to address hunger issues in Million Village and surrounding areas," Biswick explained.

Biswick also acknowledged the initial challenge of accessing clean water, with only 6 taps and 1 borehole serving five villages.

"We thought of changing the hand pump and putting in a submissive pump that is solar-powered to ease the work that farmers and people from these villages were struggling with," he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Genaroza Maliko from Mlungucha village, expressed gratitude for the project.

"I want to thank Permaculture Paradise Institute for bringing water to our disposal and easing energy. Moving forward, farmers and people from five villages will have access to clean water for domestic use and irrigation," she said.

Traditional Authority Kawere also praised the initiative, citing the significant challenge of accessing clean water for rural communities in Malawi.

The solar water pump project cost approximately $300,000 USD.