18/09/2026
For nearly two years, expectant mothers at Wenya Health Center in Chitipa District have been forced to fetch water from Sekwa River which is about three kilometers away, during deliveries.
Now, district health officials say a new pump is arriving this weekend, with water expected to be restored by next week.
However, Senior Chief Mwenewenya has expressed concern over the prolonged water shortage, blaming the district council for delays in resolving the issue.
He says multiple meetings have been held to mobilize resources, including through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), but the council has consistently cited ongoing negotiations with a non-governmental organization specializing in borehole installations.
The chief warns that the lack of running water at the health facility is endangering the lives of mothers and newborns, particularly during childbirth when clean water is critical for hygiene and emergency care.
In response, Dr. Jorlings Kasondo, Director of Health Services at Chitipa District Hospital, has acknowledged the challenge but assured residents that the situation will be resolved by next week as a new water pump is scheduled to arrive in the district this weekend and will be installed at Wenya Health Center early next week
Report by Allamson Kamanga -Chitipa