Lilongwe — A set of new research data contests the Malawian government's claims that nearly all of the country's urban citizens have access to clean water and sanitation.
Misleading official statistics are hiding the scale of the problem, environmental experts say: the new study by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) shows more than half of urban Malawians do not have access to running water.
While it is common to see women and girls balancing buckets of water on their heads in the rural communities of Malawi, where people have to collect water from rivers, communal wells and boreholes, the practice has now extended to the country's main cities of Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu.
According to the new study by the IIED, an independent research organisation focusing on sustainable development, these are the signs that show that Malawi is failing to meet the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) for water and sanitation in its urban areas, which calls to halve the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation by 2015.
Data released by Malawi's government to show progress in urban water supply are ambiguous and create a false impression of the situation, IIED researchers say.
The study, which was sponsored by the Scottish government, one of Malawi's key foreign donors, indicates that water and sanitation remain woefully inadequate in the country's informal settlements that are home to about 60 percent of the urban population, despite government claims that nearly all urban citizens have access to safe water and sanitation.
The Malawi government's 2007 Malawi MDG Report, alleges that access to water in urban areas has improved significantly, from 47 percent in 1992 to 75 percent in 2006.
Residents of Malawi's capital Lilongwe confirm that government statistics are unlikely to be correct. Martha Kaliwo, 54, a resident of Ntandile, a township outside of Lilongwe, told IPS that access to water and sanitation has not improved in recent years.
"Taps run dry frequently, forcing residents to roam the city streets in search of water. Actually, we get surprised if we have running water for three days in a row. We are resorting to fetching water from unsafe water sources, and most times we have to walk long distances searching for safe water," she explained.
Long queues
Kaliwo says many women, who are traditionally responsible for collecting water, tend to be late for work, if they have jobs, because they have to spend many hours of the early morning to scout for water to drink, wash and cook. "We are tired after walking around in search of water, and our productivity levels are very low," lamented Kaliwo.
She notes that few households have toilets of their own, and the fact that many families share one facility means that sanitation standards are low. "There are clusters of up eight houses which use one pit latrine in most compounds around the township where I live," said Kaliwo.
The IIED research shows that 42 percent of urban households dispose of their waste in pits dug within their plots, while 21 percent throw waste out on the road or into a river, and only nine percent of waste is removed to community or city waste sites. Municipalities fail to provide waste skips, and when they do, many informal settlements are inaccessible to the lorries that are supposed to deliver and collect them.
In the nine urban settlements surveyed, only a quarter of households had individual water connections, the study further found. Half relied on water bought from water kiosks, while 13 percent bought water from neighbours who have running water. The report also indicates that water kiosks, or communal water points, are not always open for business - most open for three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon, and remain closed overnight.
Boyd Kalumo, 52, a resident of densely populated township Ndirande, near Malawi's commercial capital Blantyre, complains that there are usually long queues at the water kiosks in the few hours that they open and that women spend a lot of time waiting for their turn to draw water.
"We cannot access water if we need it at night, and we have to try to stock up. This is very inconvenient," said Kalumo.
Erratic supply
He also says erratic water supply is forcing urban residents to fall back on unsafe water sources, like drawing water in buckets from swamps. Water toilets are becoming redundant for many. "Most households are now constructing pit latrines outside their houses because we can no longer depend on the flush toilets," explained Kalumo.
Only 10 percent of Blantyre's population and eight percent of Lilongwe's live in homes connected to sewers, and in Mzuzu, there are no sewerage systems installed at all, IIED researchers noted.
The IIED findings stand in stark contrast to the statistics published by the government of Malawi, which claims the county has been making significant progress towards meeting the MDG for water and sanitation by 2015. "It is clear that the official statistics on provision for water do not use the same definition as specified in the MDG [document] - the proportion of the population with sustainable access to safe drinking water," IIED researchers suggest.
The MDG document's definition of sanitation is ambiguous, referring to the proportion of a population with access to 'basic sanitation'. Malawi could be meeting the sanitation aspect of the goal in urban areas if the term 'basic sanitation' is interpreted as including very basic pit latrines shared by several households and often poorly maintained, according to IIED.
Despite its positive-looking, national statistics, the Malawi government seems to be aware of the need to improve the country's water and sanitation provision. When presenting the 2009-2010 national budget in July, finance minister Ken Kandodo promised government will ensure that the national water boards, which are in charge of supplying the country's cities with clean water, will be made more effective.
"We will ensure that there is an efficient and enhanced water supply in the country," he told Parliament.
In May, principal secretary for water development, Andrina Mchiela, also pledged to improve water supply and sanitation: "We want 80 percent in every 100 people to have access to clean water and improved sanitation by 2013."
It is yet to be seen if the water and sanitation problems will be resolved within three years as promised by government. For now, taps continue to run dry in Malawi's cities.
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Malawi's search for excellence (FIFA.com)
John Kaputa has had a tougher task than most of his contemporaries in preparing for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria. The coach has had to go out and search for virtually a new team as Malawi get set to make their debut appearance at a FIFA world finals.
A massive talent identification programme was launched through Malawi's school system and has kept the coach plenty busy since his side returned from March's African U-17 championship in Algeria where the central African nation obtained their ticket to Nigeria. They made it to the last four despite winning just a single game at the tournament because Niger, found to have used an over-age player, were disqualified.
Malawi has good skilled players who perform well individually. The problem is how to bring them all together as a group. Now that we have made the World Cup it is a good reason to do more groundwork.
Malawi U-17 boss John Kaputa
The reality being that while Malawi achieved what they had never done before, they did so without much conviction and are quite conscious of the fact that qualification came via the back door. Malawi want, however, to make sure they take maximum advantage of the opportunity and came away from Algeria with the realisation that they needed to significantly strengthen the side.
"We have been across the country with a discovery programme in the schools looking for new talent. We have also taken two separate squads to Sudan and Angola for tournaments and we're going to marry the two to make our final selection," explains Kaputa, who is a former coach of both Malawi's U-23 and senior national teams.
"We knew we needed to strengthen up the squad after Algeria. We were really at a disadvantage because of our lack of height and we really struggled against the bigger boys," the coach continued. "I think I have found at least three to four good players who could beef up our squad."
Kaputa admits that the prospect of a first world championship is thrilling for Malawi. "We have never before been at a World Cup," he announced with obvious delight.
Modest aims
The target they have set themselves is progress past the first round and into the knockout stage. But it is a tough proposition for the Malawians, who are drawn in Group E with Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United States."Definitely the opening game against UAE will be the crucial one," Kaputa admits. "Our future in the group will rely on how we do in this match."
Qualification for the U-17 side has been a major boon for youth football in Malawian football says the coach. "The senior team used to get all the focus and support and people in Malawi are now talking about the good news of the junior side. But we still need a lot more support."
A lack of resources means Kaputa is still scratching together a pre-tournament preparation plan. He hopes to embark on a training camp in Europe before heading directly to Nigeria, but if not he will have to rely on friendly matches against other teams from the region.
"Malawi has good skilled players who perform well individually. The problem is how to bring them all together as a group. Now that we have made the World Cup it is a good reason to do more groundwork. We need to get serious about our youth football," the coach concluded with an air of cautious optimism.
A massive talent identification programme was launched through Malawi's school system and has kept the coach plenty busy since his side returned from March's African U-17 championship in Algeria where the central African nation obtained their ticket to Nigeria. They made it to the last four despite winning just a single game at the tournament because Niger, found to have used an over-age player, were disqualified.
Malawi has good skilled players who perform well individually. The problem is how to bring them all together as a group. Now that we have made the World Cup it is a good reason to do more groundwork.
Malawi U-17 boss John Kaputa
The reality being that while Malawi achieved what they had never done before, they did so without much conviction and are quite conscious of the fact that qualification came via the back door. Malawi want, however, to make sure they take maximum advantage of the opportunity and came away from Algeria with the realisation that they needed to significantly strengthen the side.
"We have been across the country with a discovery programme in the schools looking for new talent. We have also taken two separate squads to Sudan and Angola for tournaments and we're going to marry the two to make our final selection," explains Kaputa, who is a former coach of both Malawi's U-23 and senior national teams.
"We knew we needed to strengthen up the squad after Algeria. We were really at a disadvantage because of our lack of height and we really struggled against the bigger boys," the coach continued. "I think I have found at least three to four good players who could beef up our squad."
Kaputa admits that the prospect of a first world championship is thrilling for Malawi. "We have never before been at a World Cup," he announced with obvious delight.
Modest aims
The target they have set themselves is progress past the first round and into the knockout stage. But it is a tough proposition for the Malawians, who are drawn in Group E with Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United States."Definitely the opening game against UAE will be the crucial one," Kaputa admits. "Our future in the group will rely on how we do in this match."
Qualification for the U-17 side has been a major boon for youth football in Malawian football says the coach. "The senior team used to get all the focus and support and people in Malawi are now talking about the good news of the junior side. But we still need a lot more support."
A lack of resources means Kaputa is still scratching together a pre-tournament preparation plan. He hopes to embark on a training camp in Europe before heading directly to Nigeria, but if not he will have to rely on friendly matches against other teams from the region.
"Malawi has good skilled players who perform well individually. The problem is how to bring them all together as a group. Now that we have made the World Cup it is a good reason to do more groundwork. We need to get serious about our youth football," the coach concluded with an air of cautious optimism.
Malawi inflation slows to 7.8 pct y/y in August
Malawi's headline inflation slowed to 7.8 percent year-on-year in August from 8.0 percent in July due partly to weaker food price pressures, the National Statistical Office (NSO) said on Wednesday.
"Food inflation has continued its downward trend. Non-food inflation has also largely maintained its descent," the NSO said in a statement.
Inflation in the southern African nation has been easing since hitting a two year peak of 10.1 percent year-on-year in January this year.
Last month Finance Minister Ken Kandodo said monetary policy should continue to focus on reducing inflation, which he said was likely to be 9 percent or lower in the coming 12 months due to stable food prices.
Food inflation, heavily dictated by changes in the price of maize -- the staple food in Malawi -- accounts for about 58 percent of the country's consumer price index.
New central bank Governor Perks Ligoya, named to the post this week, promised to ensure stability in Malawi's monetary policy.
"Food inflation has continued its downward trend. Non-food inflation has also largely maintained its descent," the NSO said in a statement.
Inflation in the southern African nation has been easing since hitting a two year peak of 10.1 percent year-on-year in January this year.
Last month Finance Minister Ken Kandodo said monetary policy should continue to focus on reducing inflation, which he said was likely to be 9 percent or lower in the coming 12 months due to stable food prices.
Food inflation, heavily dictated by changes in the price of maize -- the staple food in Malawi -- accounts for about 58 percent of the country's consumer price index.
New central bank Governor Perks Ligoya, named to the post this week, promised to ensure stability in Malawi's monetary policy.
Local residents appear in documentary about Malawi
MANATEE — Bradenton resident Daniel McNeillie and his friend, Lakewood Ranch High School grad Cassie Yoder, are featured in a documentary of their work with school children in Malawi, Africa, which debuts next week at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas.
The short movie, shot by University of Central Florida film student Erika Rydell, details the harsh life faced by those living in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world.
Children there daily endure poverty, disease and suffering, with few opportunities or resources to improve, said McNeillie, 22, who is taking this semester off from web design studies at State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota.
PHOTO PROVIDED Dan McNeillie, Erika Rydell, and Cassie Yoder, from left, with Malawi children.
“We went to schools with thousands of kids, kids sitting outside under scorching hot sun, they’re so hungry for knowledge and doing whatever they can. Village after village said, ‘We need a classroom block,’” said McNeillie on Tuesday.
The documentary is slated to debut at 10 a.m., Sept. 26 at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive, Lakewood Ranch.
The documentary shows students who walk miles just to attend school, and their daily struggle for enough food and water to stay alive, said McNeillie.
The 26-minute movie is titled “Making Your Mark,” and is intended as a call to action to young people to try and help in their communities and in the world, said Kay Yoder, Cassie Yoder’s mother and the executive director of the nonprofit organization called Taking Back Lives, Inc. The organization is also planning a Nov. 14 fundraiser called “Taking Back Lives Walkathon 2009” at Siesta Key Beach, a 5-kilometer walk along the beach.
Cassie Yoder, 19, first went to Africa three years ago and worked in an orphanage for a month, her mother said. Cassie now is attending the University of Florida at Gaineville as a pre-med student, but her philanthropic efforts on Malawi’s behalf continue, Kay Yoder said.
The organization hopes to raise $40,000 in order to build a modest school, McNeillie said. So far, it has probably only raised about $1,000, but he hoped the documentary would spur donations.
“Every dollar is going directly to build the school, we don’t have a salary, no one’s receiving a salary,” said McNeillie. “Other organizations are doing similar work, yes, but they have a lot of overhead. Ours, 100 percent goes directly to it.”
To donate or for information about the documentary, go to the Web site www.takingbacklives.org, or phone (941) 782-7956.
The short movie, shot by University of Central Florida film student Erika Rydell, details the harsh life faced by those living in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world.
Children there daily endure poverty, disease and suffering, with few opportunities or resources to improve, said McNeillie, 22, who is taking this semester off from web design studies at State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota.
PHOTO PROVIDED Dan McNeillie, Erika Rydell, and Cassie Yoder, from left, with Malawi children.
“We went to schools with thousands of kids, kids sitting outside under scorching hot sun, they’re so hungry for knowledge and doing whatever they can. Village after village said, ‘We need a classroom block,’” said McNeillie on Tuesday.
The documentary is slated to debut at 10 a.m., Sept. 26 at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive, Lakewood Ranch.
The documentary shows students who walk miles just to attend school, and their daily struggle for enough food and water to stay alive, said McNeillie.
The 26-minute movie is titled “Making Your Mark,” and is intended as a call to action to young people to try and help in their communities and in the world, said Kay Yoder, Cassie Yoder’s mother and the executive director of the nonprofit organization called Taking Back Lives, Inc. The organization is also planning a Nov. 14 fundraiser called “Taking Back Lives Walkathon 2009” at Siesta Key Beach, a 5-kilometer walk along the beach.
Cassie Yoder, 19, first went to Africa three years ago and worked in an orphanage for a month, her mother said. Cassie now is attending the University of Florida at Gaineville as a pre-med student, but her philanthropic efforts on Malawi’s behalf continue, Kay Yoder said.
The organization hopes to raise $40,000 in order to build a modest school, McNeillie said. So far, it has probably only raised about $1,000, but he hoped the documentary would spur donations.
“Every dollar is going directly to build the school, we don’t have a salary, no one’s receiving a salary,” said McNeillie. “Other organizations are doing similar work, yes, but they have a lot of overhead. Ours, 100 percent goes directly to it.”
To donate or for information about the documentary, go to the Web site www.takingbacklives.org, or phone (941) 782-7956.
Trust cuts Malawi shareholding to 20pc
DIVERSIFIED financial, investment and horticultural concern, Trust Holdings Limited, has reduced its shareholding in its Malawi operations to 20 percent.
THL operates Trust Securities and Trust Finance Limited in Malawi.
The two subsidiaries are controlled by Unit Administration Limited, THL’s biggest creditor, which holds 45 percent of Trust Securities and 60 percent of Trust Finance Limited.
Announcing its financial results for the half year ended June 30 2009, Trust said operations in Malawi proved difficult to sustain following an operating loss of US$131 000.
"Resulting mainly from low activity on the Malawi Stock Exchange, the group has reduced its shareholding to 20 percent with effect from August 2009," Trust said.
Trust was forced to shed of its shareholding after it failed to raise funds to recapitalise the two subsidiaries.
The group said the board is positioned to benefit from the economic recovery initiatives being pursued and believes that attractive opportunities exist for expansion and acquisition in properties, financial services and export sectors.
In the first half of the year, THL indicated that the strategic focus for the year was to ensure capital and profit growth for Trust Export Agriculture.
The group said a major acquisition was likely to be concluded as well as unlocking value under the real estate portfolio.
After the sell of Trustfin to TN financial Holdings in 2007, Trust is transforming from a banking corporation to a diversified horticultural and investment concern.
Trust also reported that negotiations with relevant parties towards an amicable solution to the Trust Bank case are progressing.
Trust Holdings is said to have opened negotiations with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to bring back Trust Bank.
RBZ took over the assets of Trust Bank, Royal Bank and Barbican after they were declared insolvent.
The bank was subsequently placed under the management of a curator.
Its assets were later sold to the Zimbabwe Allied Banking Group.
The group was de-listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange when its flagship was placed under curatorship.
THL appealed in 2007 to the Administrative Court against a RBZ ruling that dismissed the financial group’s appeal against selling its shares to the ZABG.
The appeal is still standing.
A regrouped THL, however bounced back on the bourse last year without the bank.
The group currently runs insurance broking companies, stock broking firms in Malawi and has interests in horticulture.
THL operates Trust Securities and Trust Finance Limited in Malawi.
The two subsidiaries are controlled by Unit Administration Limited, THL’s biggest creditor, which holds 45 percent of Trust Securities and 60 percent of Trust Finance Limited.
Announcing its financial results for the half year ended June 30 2009, Trust said operations in Malawi proved difficult to sustain following an operating loss of US$131 000.
"Resulting mainly from low activity on the Malawi Stock Exchange, the group has reduced its shareholding to 20 percent with effect from August 2009," Trust said.
Trust was forced to shed of its shareholding after it failed to raise funds to recapitalise the two subsidiaries.
The group said the board is positioned to benefit from the economic recovery initiatives being pursued and believes that attractive opportunities exist for expansion and acquisition in properties, financial services and export sectors.
In the first half of the year, THL indicated that the strategic focus for the year was to ensure capital and profit growth for Trust Export Agriculture.
The group said a major acquisition was likely to be concluded as well as unlocking value under the real estate portfolio.
After the sell of Trustfin to TN financial Holdings in 2007, Trust is transforming from a banking corporation to a diversified horticultural and investment concern.
Trust also reported that negotiations with relevant parties towards an amicable solution to the Trust Bank case are progressing.
Trust Holdings is said to have opened negotiations with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to bring back Trust Bank.
RBZ took over the assets of Trust Bank, Royal Bank and Barbican after they were declared insolvent.
The bank was subsequently placed under the management of a curator.
Its assets were later sold to the Zimbabwe Allied Banking Group.
The group was de-listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange when its flagship was placed under curatorship.
THL appealed in 2007 to the Administrative Court against a RBZ ruling that dismissed the financial group’s appeal against selling its shares to the ZABG.
The appeal is still standing.
A regrouped THL, however bounced back on the bourse last year without the bank.
The group currently runs insurance broking companies, stock broking firms in Malawi and has interests in horticulture.
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