"Water in Every Village" Project
In the fall of 2023, TreamLift was approached by a U.S.-based foundation whose sole philanthropic interest is to provide clean water and sanitation in developing countries, particularly in Africa. Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 174 of 189 countries on the Human Development Index. Over half the population lives in poverty, and one-fifth in extreme poverty. Access to clean water, sanitation and health care remain significant challenges for many Malawians, especially in rural areas.
Expanded conversations with TeamLift; the University of Mzuzu; Lusubilo Community Care Project; and Soils, Foods and Healthy Communities eventually led to the design of the ambitious "Water in Every Village" Project.
The initiative includes three components:
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#1
An initial mapping project managed by Lusubilo Community Care to identify all existing wells in northern Malawi, as well as communities in need of clean water who can benefit from a borehole.
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#2
The digging of boreholes and installation of hand pumps in every village in need of clean water. The "Water in Every Village" initiative will begin in the Karonga District and eventually expand to other Malawi locations.
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#3
On a very limited basis, the installation of a solar-powered irrigation system to provide a consistent water source to community farms.
In 2024, we partnered with Lusubilo, an NGO dedicated to fostering community ownership as a lasting solution for orphans and vulnerable children. Together we identified 100 villages in Chitipa, Malawi, and successfully drilled 100 boreholes, while also training communities to maintain their wells.
In 2025 we will drill another 100 wells in Karonga, and we will expand our reach to the southern region, drilling 25 wells in Blantyre in collaboration with the Diocese and the local government water district. To ensure long-term impact, we are also implementing a system to track well locations and maintenance. To date, these wells have provided clean water to over 4,600 families.
Clean Water Drilling
A new borehole creates excitement in a village. Children always come to watch the process.