Ensuring Access to Clean Water: Efforts towards Sustainable Development Goal 6

Access to clean water is recognized as one of the fundamental human needs, and various stakeholders, including both state and non-state actors, are working together to ensure universal access to safe water supply. These efforts are aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to achieve universal access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. However, adequate funding remains a crucial requirement to expand safe water access in line with SDG 6.

Ulemu Chiluzi, the country director of Water for People, emphasizes the need for substantial funding to meet SDG 6 targets. Water for People allocates between K4 billion and K5 billion annually to implement a range of initiatives that contribute to expanding safe water supply. Chiluzi highlights the magnitude of investment required to achieve SDG 6 and calls for increased financial support to the water sector.

Water for People estimates that rural access to basic water services in Malawi stands at 65 percent, while access to basic sanitation services is at 25 percent. To bridge this gap, Water for People implements initiatives such as drilling and repairing boreholes, rehabilitating gravity-fed piped water systems, and constructing solar-powered water supply systems. These interventions have proven effective in improving the functionality of boreholes and expanding access to safe water supply in communities and schools, ensuring that learners, especially girls, do not miss classes during menstruation.

Partnerships and Impact

Water for People collaborates with organizations like Charity Water, based in the United States, to enhance their impact. Amanda Cernovich, the water programs manager for Charity Water, expresses pride in the partnership and highlights the positive outcomes achieved through sophisticated pipe systems that provide clean water to students, health centers, and households. These collaborations play a critical role in achieving SDG 6 and ensuring equitable access to clean and safe water supply.

Overcoming Disruptions and Building Resilience

Despite the progress made, the water sector faces challenges caused by disruptions such as natural disasters. Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia, acknowledges the importance of interventions that contribute to universal access to clean and safe water supply. She emphasizes the government’s commitment to achieving full coverage of potable water supply by 2030 in line with the SDGs. However, recent events like Cyclone Freddy have posed challenges to the sector, damaging water supply infrastructure and hindering progress. The government is actively working to address these disruptions and restore water services.