JTI Leaf Malawi launches safe water programme to its tobacco growers
JTI Leaf Malawi on Wednesday launched a safe water program which will see company drilling 98 boreholes in nine districts where the company sources its leaf from in all the three regions.
Speaking during the launch of the program at Kamphandira Village in TA Chilowamatambe’s area in Kasungu, JTI Leaf Malawi Managing Director Fries Vanneste said the company wants to reach out to more than 7 400 growers with access to clean and reliable water.
“These boreholes will improve the lives of communities around the country. People will no longer need to walk for hours to collect water. Instead, children will be able to attend school and mothers will be able to spend more time looking after their households. Farmers will have access to a reliable source of water for their crops and will be better equipped to manage changes in rainfall patterns over the years,” said Vanneste.
Director of Administration Responsible for Water and Irrigation in the Ministry of Agriculture Dokani Ngwira thanked JTI for the support saying it will go a long in alleviating water problems in the country.
“The donation will not only benefit JTI growers but also the entire community. On behalf of government I am thankful to JTI for helping alleviate water problems in the country. It’s not a secret, water is a problem and to have companies like JTI coming in is a very commendable gesture.
The nine districts benefiting from the water program include Rumphi, Mzimba, Kasungu, Mchinji, Dowa, Lilongwe, Dedza, Ntcheu and Chiradzulu.
The program is part of JTI’s Grower Support program, which according to Vanneste, is an integral part of the company’s strategy to build strong and trusting partnerships based on mutual benefits, as well as encouraging sustainable and environmentally responsible farming practices. JTI also aims to improve access to education and enhance the quality of life within its farming communities
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