Boreholes for Communities, Health Centres and Schools

Throughout Machinga and Zomba, we saw the impact of our joint work:

• New boreholes providing safe water to remote communities.
• Repaired and rehabilitated systems bringing old water points back to life.
• Strong water access in health centres, where clean water is essential for safe deliveries, infection prevention and patient care.
• Improved water access in schools, enabling better hygiene and creating a healthier learning environment for students.

At each site communities reminded us that water is not just an infrastructure investment. It’s the foundation of health, education and opportunity.

Appreciating How Boreholes Transform Daily Life

The strongest impressions came from the moments spent with community members proudly showing the reliable water point that replaced long walks to unsafe sources, explaining how accessible water helps them wash hands, use latrines safely, and stay in class. Health workers described how water access changes the entire rhythm of their clinic, from cleaning instruments to supporting maternity care.

Clean water doesn’t simply fill a jerrycan. It gives back time, reduces disease, increases safety, and allows families to plan their days rather than react to scarcity. Small infrastructure has enormous human outcomes.

Learning About Entrepreneurship to Keep Water Infrastructure Going

A recurring theme throughout the visit was sustainability. Boreholes can’t rely on goodwill alone; they need systems.

We saw how important it is to support communities in managing water points as small enterprises, ensuring funds are collected for repairs, spare parts and maintenance. This entrepreneurial approach creates ownership, accountability and long-term resilience.

It was encouraging to see local committees explaining their savings structures, fee collection, and repair plans — practical solutions that keep water flowing long after the initial installation.

Expertise on the ground making it happen

Behind every working water point is a team making sure it stays that way. During our visit, we had the opportunity to meet the dedicated staff of Amref Health Africa in Malawi, our implementing partner in Machinga and Zomba. Their work goes far beyond constructing or repairing a borehole.

They train communities, build the capacity of Water Point Committees, and ensure each system has ownership, transparency and a realistic plan for maintenance. They also integrate water access with hygiene education, maternal health programmes and community outreach — because water is more than a convenience; it’s a prerequisite for public health.