Clean Water Restores Hope and Dignity for Mafika-Lisiu Community

By Reentseng Phephetho, Communication s and Digital Officer

In the remote, mountainous village of Mafika-Lisiu in Mohale’s Hoek district, generations have endured the agony of water scarcity. For decades, families relied on an unprotected spring deep down a donga, where men, women, and children trekked long distances just to fetch a few containers of unsafe water. The spring, shared with animals and exposed to the wind, was often filled with debris and cow dung—yet it remained the community’s only source of water.

For ‘Malimo, a 21-year-old young girl from the village, fetching water was more than just a daily chore—it was a life-threatening experience. “I was always scared for my life because anything could happen; my life was at risk,” she recalls. The spring sat hidden within a forest, and every trip there filled her with fear.

“I was always scared for my life because anything could happen; my life was at risk,” she recalls.

The lack of clean water affected every part of life in Mafika-Lisiu. Families struggled to maintain their gardens, threatening their livelihoods and food security. As a result, malnutrition and poverty deepened.

‘Malimo walking a long distance to fetch water from a spring hidden deep within the forest.

For ‘Malimo, the water crisis was most painful during her menstrual periods. Without access to clean water, maintaining hygiene was nearly impossible. “I would sometimes question why God created menstruation for us girls, because this used to be the moment I hated my life the most,” she said softly, her voice filled with emotion.

Her mother, ‘Masimone, a community health worker, witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of unsafe water on children. “Within our community, there was an increasing rate of diarrhoea among children between 2 and 7 years, which resulted from drinking dirty water,” she explained. Even simple tasks such as laundry or cooking were an uphill struggle.

 “Within our community, there was an increasing rate of diarrhoea among children between 2 and 7 years, which resulted from drinking dirty water,” she explained.

'Malimo fetching water at the newly installed tap by World Vision

That was before World Vision International Lesotho, through its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Technical Program, brought transformation to Mafika-Lisiu. Following a needs assessment, World Vision installed 17 community taps, bringing safe, clean water closer to every household. The change was instant and life-changing. “Access to water is a dream come true for me,” exclaimed ‘Malimo with a bright smile. “Now I can keep hygiene when I’m on my periods. Water is just a few steps behind our house—it still feels unreal!”

‘Malimo joyfully waters her garden with clean, safe water after returning from school.

With clean water readily available, life in Mafika-Lisiu has blossomed. Families are now able to water their gardens, grow nutritious food, and maintain good hygiene. For ‘Malimo, coming home from school to tend her family’s flourishing garden brings her joy and pride. “In my recent report, the rate of children suffering from diarrhoea has significantly dropped since the installation of these taps,” shared ‘Masimone. “Our lives have changed—we now live with dignity and hope.”

What was once a community marked by hardship and fear is now one flowing with health, joy, and opportunity—proof that clean water truly changes everything.