Residents of Maalo Village in the Zambezi Region are appealing for the construction of a borehole and latrines promised to them over two years ago.

Maalo Village is located about five kilometres from Muyako.

The village has about 15 households.

The majority of the residents here were left behind in 1989 when others moved to Muyako due to harsh weather conditions.

Simwaza's family stayed behind, literally making Maalo a Family Village.

Villagers are struggling with water provision, as promises to provide them with this basic need have never materialised.

Residents say they informed the councillor of their predicament in 2021.

"He said the water issue is something he was aware of, and we have nothing to worry about because we were already on the programme and that in 2022, in April, they would install a borehole for us. But since then, we have not heard of or seen anything being done by our councillor," said Maalo resident Helen Simwanza.

She further adds that they either have to dig up streams for the water they currently use or pay to transport water containers from Katima Mulilo.

"It's the water that is currently flowing, because if the water does not flow, we dig up streams in Chobe, but it is a long distance. Our elders here are unable to do so unless they pay someone to bring them clean water from Katima Mulilo."

The residents are now seeking temporary solutions to avoid contamination as they share the water with wild animals, further putting their lives in danger.

A resident of Maalo Village, Saberia Simwanza, says, "Even tanks could be of help—two tanks, for example—so that we can be able to buy our own water, drink clean water, and use the water we fetch from the river for other chores. It could be better, that way, we could survive because this water is not for human consumption. There are illnesses such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and body rash that cannot be explained."

Another issue is that of latrine promises that also never saw the light of day.

Patricia Simwanza, 64, says they have to walk distances to relieve themselves in the absence of promised latrines.

"Nothing has happened for years now, I am unable to walk properly, and I use a cane for assistance. So it is difficult for me to stand up, that is the life we are living in this village. We do not know anymore whether or not we are now part of Botswana, Namibia, or Zambia, perhaps it is because we are closer to the Botswana side."

The village development committee chairperson, Peter Mukusi, confirmed that promises about the borehole were made.

The constituency councillor, Matengu Simushi, said there was no funding for a borehole, and that it would only be attended to once funding was made available.

Simushi also added that their village, Induna, was responsible for putting together a list of those who were supposed to benefit from the 53 latrines that were given to the Muyako area around 2013.

However, the Khuta Secretary, Charles Simasiku, in response, said that although they were responsible for the list, the councillor directed them as to which villages should benefit in the Muyako area, which excluded the people in Maalo Village.