World Water Day: 13,000 More People Gain Access to Clean Water in Mozambique

World Vision Mozambique is celebrating the addition of 13,000 people with access to clean water following the opening of 43 water sources in Mutarara District, in central Tete Province.

This achievement aligns with the Government of Mozambique’s five-year development plan, which aims, among other priorities, to expand access to clean water — particularly in rural areas, where coverage currently stands at 52%, according to the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (2020–2024).

Mutarara District is still recovering from the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, which severely affected crops and limited access to safe water. Today, however, the district is taking encouraging steps forward — especially for children — as more families gain access to reliable, clean water sources.

One of the beneficiaries is five-year-old Helton, son of Felipe and Beth. Though shy, he knows exactly what he wants: “I don’t like dirty water, I like to drink clean water,” he said in his local language.

In his innocence, Helton does not yet know the story behind the water source he now has access to, but he is already benefiting from it, following the support from World Vision Taiwan and World Vision US.

On the other hand, Silva, a community leader, carries not only the marks of age on his face, but also the memories of a difficult past. He recalls a time when the entire community, women, children, the elderly, and even pregnant women, had to walk long distances in search of water, often relying on neighboring communities. Among the nearly 1,000 residents, some chose not to make the journey and instead depended on a hand-dug well at a local church.

“Some people walked long distances to fetch water, others preferred to use water from a hand-dug well,” he recounts, his expression reflecting both past hardship and present relief. Today, however, things have changed.

“Now we have this water source. We use the water for drinking, washing clothes and dishes, and cooking. All thanks to the Government and World Vision Mozambique.”

Beyond access, there is also ownership. The community is actively involved in maintaining the water source, ensuring it continues to serve future generations.

Looking ahead, World Vision plans to construct more than 200 additional water sources — including boreholes and water systems — by the end of 2026. This will bring clean water to over 102,000 more people, with a particular focus on the provinces of Gaza, Tete, Nampula, and Zambezia.

This milestone reinforces a shared commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, ensuring that no one is left behind.