CHAMBA HEALTH CENTER’S TRANSFORMATION
Imagine a place where patients and caregivers alike had to trek to distant boreholes, burdened by the weight of jerry cans, just to secure water for daily needs. For Chamba Health Center, this wasn't just a tale of inconvenience; it was about losing dignity, struggling to care for patients, and facing constant challenges. For 15 long years, this vital healthcare facility endured a silent crisis – a lack of access to clean water. Frank Chicomo, the Center's In Charge, succinctly captured the situation: "As a place where we preach hygiene, it was really humiliating not to have access to clean water." But every crisis holds within it the seeds of transformation. For Chamba Health Center, that transformation came through the tireless efforts of Freshwater, in collaboration with Engineers Without Borders-USA, Xylem Corporation, and the Zomba District Health Office. It stood as a lifeline for over 33,000 people across 57 villages. Together, they orchestrated a remarkable feat: installing solar-powered pumps, replacing corroded pipes with state-of-the-art HDPE ones, and constructing a modern wastewater system. It was more than just infrastructure; it was a lifeline restored. Today, the sound of flowing water echoes through the corridors of Chamba Health Center once more. No longer do patients and staff grapple with the burden of water scarcity. Instead, they rejoice in the newfound ease of access, the restored dignity, and the promise of better healthcare for all."We have water access now! Health staff, patients, and guardians can easily access water at this facility without going to fetch water from afar," exclaimed Mr. Chicomo, his voice brimming with pride. "We have formed an operations and maintenance committee to oversee the systems and ensure sustainability."The tale of Chamba Health Center's water triumph is not just a story of pipes and pumps; it's a testament to the power of partnership, resilience, and the unwavering human spirit.