Zambia: The Manyinga Town Council in partnership with World Vision Zambia has started a toilet verification exercise in Kaula Ward. The aim of the exercise is to make sure that the members of the community are maintaining hygiene.
The event was hosted ahead of the open defecation free certification of the ward, which is an initiative which aims to improve sanitation levels in the area. Several areas of Zambia have been struggling with the issues of sanitation and hygiene.
The officials have shared that the members of the community have been encouraged to make sure that their surroundings are clean and safe from communicable diseases such as Cholera. Open defecation is one of the reasons for the rampant spread of these diseases.
The Rural Water and Sanitation Engineering Officer, Chikondi Bummba has shared his views about the government’s action. He claimed that he is elated with the significant progress made so far in sanitation and hygiene levels in Kaula, Kwanda and Kasamba wards.
Furthermore Bummba notes that the success of the open defecation free will be attributed to the collaborative efforts of several organizations. The organizations involved in the project include the District Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Education committee members.
All the organizations have been working tirelessly to promote positive behavioral change in the communities.
And District Environmental Health Officer, Jackson Kumoyi, states that approximately 70 percent of households have constructed basic and adequate toilets since the launch of the initiative.
Kumoyi has also acknowledged that some households still require additional facilities, such as lids and hand washing stations. These additions will reinforce the idea that the government is promoting better hygiene and health practices.
The Community-Led Total Sanitation exercise was initiated by the local authority, with support from World Vision Zambia and Senior Chief Sikufele.
The goal is to accelerate sanitation improvements in Manyinga District. This will help in promoting a healthier environment for all the members of the community.