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Over 30% of Boreholes in Rumphi Nonfunctional

District Water Development Officer for Rumphi Vincent Holowanya says 31.4% of boreholes in the district are non-functional.

Speaking to Zodiak Online Tuesday, Holowanya said some boreholes are producing salty water and some are damaged beyond repair.

He says due to high levels of salt, it becomes difficult for human consumption hence communities prefer to use water from rivers and swamps which is not safe.

He says the situation is frustrating efforts of providing safe water to the citizenry there.

"There are several factors contributing to the non-functionality of boreholes here. One is that in most areas boreholes are producing salty water and others are seasonal, they only release water during the rainy season," said Holowanya.

Chairperson for Rumphi District Council, councillor Gilbert Kasambara confirmed that some communities are using unsafe water because the boreholes in their areas are damaged.

Cllr Kasambara highlighted that the council has already engaged development partners to help address the challenge.

About 49, 000 people in Rumphi have no access to safe water, representing 20% of the district’s total population.

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