Water of Mercy
Mchilawengo Village Well Project
Mchilawengo Village Well Project
Location: Mchilawengo Village, Malawi Africa
Population: 670+ residents plus nearby primary school
Current Water Situation: The Mchilawengo Village Well Project has been successfully completed. The project was fully funded on December 31, 2025, and the well was drilled just 18 days later on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The drilling process continued well into the night, with the team working under lights to complete the installation. The drilling operation showed signs of a very good reserve of water, ensuring abundant clean water for the community year-round. The pump blessing and official handover took place on Monday, January 27, 2026, with Father Petros presiding over the ceremony. Approximately 500 people attended the beautiful and colorful celebration, including ~365 school children, 5 traditional chiefs, the Ward Councillor (local politician), school committee members, teachers' staff, and representatives from the Church. This is the first time Mchilawengo Village has ever had access to fresh, clean water. More than 670 people now have access to clean, safe drinking water. A local water committee will be established for maintenance and management of the well. With proper care, it should serve the community for approximately 75 years.
Project Impact: Before this well was installed, water scarcity in Mchilawengo Village had created one of the most dangerous water access situations we have ever encountered. The only available water source was a 12-foot (4-meter) deep open pit that children and adults had to physically climb down into to access water. Residents crouched at the bottom of this steep, unstable earthen pit, scooping muddy water with small cups into buckets and containers. The pit walls were dangerously steep, making the descent and ascent hazardous, especially for children and elderly residents. The water collected from the bottom was visibly contaminated with mud and debris, and the area was prone to cholera and other waterborne diseases. Today, more than 670 people, including children and staff at the nearby primary school, have access to clean, safe drinking water directly in their village. The elimination of the dangerous daily ordeal of climbing into a 12-foot deep pit means children now have more time for education and families can focus on other essential activities. School children now have access to clean water during the school day, supporting better health outcomes and improved educational attendance. The project has dramatically reduced the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases that threatened this community, while removing the physical danger that residents faced every day. With proper maintenance and management by the community water committee, this vital resource should serve Mchilawengo Village for approximately 75 years. Please visit the Mchilawengo Village news page to see images and videos of the completed well.
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