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WVZ empowers schools with VIP toilets
Kawambwa, February 27, 2015, ZANIS–World Vision Zambia (WVZ) Chama area development programme
in Kawambwa district has constructed 34 Ventilated Improved Pit Latrines (VIP) toilets at six schools in the area at a cost of K850,000.00
The primary schools are Bulembe, Musambeshi, Ntenke, Lusambo, and
Mpota while the secondary schools are Tea Estate and Kawambwa Central.
The construction of the VIP toilets that has been funded through UNICEF is in an effort to provide good sanitation among the teachers and pupils at the learning institutions.
ZANIS reports that this came to light at the official handover of the VIP Latrines held
at Kawambwa Central secondary school yesterday.
And Kawambwa District Commissioner Ivo Mpasa disclosed
that Zambia is among the countries which has pledged to achieve the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on sanitation.
Mr Mpasa explained that the MDG number 7 on sanitation stated that at least
60 percent of the Zambian people should have access to improved
sanitation by 2015.
He said in order to scale up the attainment of the national target, the
government has put interventions to improve sanitation coverage
especially in rural areas.
He noted that government is implementing the Community led Total Sanitation (CLTS) where members are
sensitized on the need to eliminate open defecation.
Mr Mpasa said current statistics indicate that 88 percent of diarrhea diseases are
as a result of poor access to safe drinking water and basic
sanitation.
The DC added that diarrhea cases could be eliminated
by having access to good water and basic sanitation.
He also said according to a survey carried out by the Ministry of
Education in 2009 only between 30 and 43 percent of schools have adequate
sanitation facilities for girls and boys.
Mr Mpasa further said more than 24 percent of schools are not provided
with safe water supply.
He said hand washing facilities are few or not existing even in
schools that have been constructed in the recent years adding that results
of open defecation, poor washing practices and other unhygienic
practices remain the predominant norms.
Mr Mpasa said the challenges pose one of the biggest threats to the health and
performance of children in schools.
However, Mr Mpasa has thanked WVZ for constructing the VIP latrines
and has urged the pupils to use the facilities properly.
Meanwhile, Mr Mpasa has asked the pupils to share the message of
hygiene with their families in order to help relatives embrace the practice of open
defecation and practice hand washing as agents of behavioral change.
