By Linda Kwanjana

Speaking during the State of the nation address , President Dr Lazarus Chakwera promised that his Government will ensure provision of clean and portable water.

In line with president vision , Source of life children foundation Ltd, on Tuesday commissioned the much awaited water and sanitation project in the area of Wirima Village, Group Village Headman Nkhungulu , Traditional Authority Gumba in Mchinji.

Speaking during the event the Country Representative for the organization, Innocent Semu said he decided to roll out the project in Mchinji after noting that many people were drinking untreated water in the area.

Semu said in line with Sustainable development goal number 6 countries are asked to provide their citizens with clean water.

“But the Government cannot do this alone, we need to come in with such collaborative assistance, ” he said.

Semu said access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene is the most basic human need for health and well-being.

He said billions of people world wide will lack access to these basic services in 2030 unless progress quadruples.

He said demand for water is rising owing to rapid population growth, urbanization and increasing water needs from agriculture, industry, and energy sectors.

According to the country representive , the demand for water has outpaced population growth, and half the world’s population is already experiencing severe water scarcity at least one month a year.

He said Water scarcity is projected to increase with the rise of global temperatures as a result of climate change.

“This is why my organization will work hard to ensure access to this vital component,” he said.

Speaking during the function, Traditional Authority Gumba commended Semu and his organisation for the provision of water.

The chief said people in his area have been finding problems to access water.