adminNesia Mhaka Herald Correspondent
At least 1 000 villagers in Hwange West are set to get toilets under a rural water sanitation and hygiene programme being rolled out by Government in partnership with Shearwater Adventures Company.
About 30 toilets have so far been built under the programme in Monde, Ntabayengwe and Chidove villages.
Speaking during the tour of one of the villages last week, Shearwater public relations manager Mr Clement Mukwasi said sanitation and hygiene were key in socio-economic development.
“Improved sanitation can reduce diarrhoeal diseases by more than a third and can significantly lessen the adverse health impact of other disorders responsible for death and disease in millions of children in developing countries,” he said.
“Water and sanitation situation requires serious attention as most areas lack adequate access to clean and safe drinking water, resulting in serious health risks.
“We urge all environmental and health stakeholders to bear in mind that sanitation and hygiene issues are key enablers for the socio-economic development of any nation and that without them, productivity and the quality of life are compromised.”
Mr Mukwasi advised the community to take advantage of the numerous employment opportunities that were being created through the construction of toilets, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure.
These opportunities would be particularly available at school and household levels.
Speaking during the same tour, Zimbabwe Forestry Commission general manager Mr Obedinigo Marufu said public-private partnerships were key in solving many challenges in the country.
“It is fortunate that Zimbabwe accommodates the private sector in rural development projects,” he said.
“PPPs are vital as they bring efficiency of business to the delivery of public service and this prevents full privatisation.”
Mr Marufu said Government was committed to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals for universal access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation for all by 2030.
Ms Clementine Ngezimana, a villager in Ntabayengwe, hailed Government and Shearwater for their support. She said open defecation posed health challenges in the village.
“Before the assistance from the Government and its partners, this area was facing challenges of toilets,” she said.
“Some people were going to the bush and this was exposing us to various diseases such as cholera and typhoid.”
Online Reporter