Transforming Communities Through Service, Vision

 When residents of Village Headman Mchanawo under Traditional Authority (TA) Chitera in Chiradzulu District discovered on January 4 this year that their only nearby borehole had been vandalised, despair quickly spread throughout the community.

For many families, the borehole was more than just a water source— it was a lifeline.

“It was the only borehole within a radius of five kilometres from our homes,” explained Marita Kalongonda, a 42-year-old mother of four.

“We were heartbroken because it meant walking very long distances again just to access clean water. Some women were even forced to fetch water from unsafe open sources, putting families at risk of catching diseases such as cholera,” she explained.

Ruth Saidi, another resident from the village, described the difficult choices many mothers had to make after the vandalism.

“I was forced to draw water for domestic use from swamps. The water was not clean and had a bad smell, but I had children to care for. I needed water for cooking, drinking and ensuring they prepared for school,” she said.

In neighbouring Group Village Head Luna, Stella Mowele said women now wake up as early as 4am to queue for water at distant boreholes.

“We spend hours walking and waiting for water every day. This has affected farming and other productive activities that support our families,” she explained.

Across areas under TAs Mpama and Chitera, concerns over vandalised boreholes continue to grow, worsening already difficult access to safe and potable water.

Speaking during a borehole rehabilitation exercise conducted by Pacific Limited, Group Village Headman Poya said at least five boreholes in his area alone had been vandalised since January.

“We suspect the perpetrators are stealing equipment for sale as scrap metal, although no arrests have been made so far,” he said.

Village Headman Mchanawo added that local vigilance committees had since intensified patrols to safeguard community water points.

Chiradzulu Police Station Officer-in-Charge Henry Kangulu also pledged closer collaboration with communities to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

 

 

Restoring hope through corporate responsibility

According to Fadeweck James, team leader for Pacific Limited’s borehole rehabilitation initiative, the company plans to rehabilitate more than 70 boreholes by the end of next month, including 25 that were vandalised.

The initiative continues to transform lives in vulnerable communities where access to clean water remains a major challenge.

Member of Parliament Mwayi Ndalama commended the company for its timely intervention and encouraged more private sector players to invest in initiatives that directly improve people’s lives.

Since launching the programme in 2015, Pacific Limited has rehabilitated more than 9,000 boreholes free of charge across Malawi, helping millions of people gain improved access to potable water.

Stakeholders have praised Faizal Aboo, the businessman behind the company’s expanding corporate social responsibility efforts, for championing projects that directly uplift communities.

His contribution has also received national recognition.

During the presentation of the 2026-27 National Budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha singled out Pacific Limited for its significant contribution towards improving access to clean water across the country.

The minister noted that such initiatives complement government efforts to improve public welfare, reduce the burden on vulnerable communities and support national development priorities.

Responding to the recognition, Aboo said the company’s efforts are driven by a commitment to giving back to society.

“We do everything as part of our corporate social responsibility,” he said.

 

 

A vision beyond business

Over the years, Aboo has established himself as one of the country’s notable business figures, with investments spanning tourism, hospitality, agriculture, commerce, real estate and infrastructure development.

His developments in Limbe and Blantyre have contributed to improved access to warehousing facilities, business spaces and hospitality services, creating economic opportunities for many Malawians.

Patrick Emmanuel Chipwaira, who previously operated from one of the business spaces at Pacific Mall in Limbe before relocating to Salima District, described Aboo as a businessman who understands the importance of empowering ordinary people.

“Rental spaces are expensive in many places but Faizal Aboo has consistently provided affordable business space to small-scale traders. That kind of support creates opportunities for people to grow economically,” he said.

Chipwaira added that investments in infrastructure and commerce are essential if Malawi is to realise the ambitions outlined in the Malawi 2063 vision — a national blueprint aimed at transforming the country into an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant upper-middle-income economy.

 

 

 

Commitment during times of crisis

People who worked alongside Aboo during the Covid-19 pandemic also recall the important role he played through the Asian Business Community Covid-19 Task Force.

The initiative mobilised resources and support for hospitals, isolation centres and vulnerable citizens during one of the country’s most difficult public health emergencies.

Martha Potolani Mzeremu, who survived Covid-19 at the height of the pandemic, said the assistance offered through such efforts helped save lives.

“Without the support of well-wishers and organisations that stepped forward during that difficult time, many people would have suffered even more,” she said.

She added that contributions from business leaders demonstrated the importance of unity and compassion during national crises.

 

 

 

Service through partnership

Known by many as “Mr Limbe”, Aboo says meaningful national development can only be achieved through unity of purpose among government, the private sector and communities.

“I feel fulfilled when I serve people,” he said.

“I want to continue contributing to Malawi’s socio-economic development because progress is only possible when we work together to build the country we all want,” Aboo added.