Rufunsa Council urges communities to maintain Hygiene standards

Rufunsa Council Secretary, Venture Kafula, has urged the government departments and the community to take the Keep Zambia Clean and Health Campaign seriously as this is one way to eradicate certain diseases and keep the environment clean.

Speaking on behalf of the Council Secretary, during a cleaning exercise at Mpanshya Market today, Rufunsa Town Council Environmental Health Technologist, Micheal Mutale called on communities, government departments and other stakeholders to maintain high standards of hygiene in trading places and their surroundings if some diseases are to be eliminated.

Bishop Kafula said it was unfortunate that departments and communities were not adhering to the Presidential directive of observing every Friday of the week to take time to clean their surroundings.

“The district and some parts of the country are going through a difficult time because of the cholera pandemic which can be avoided if we keep our surroundings clean and maintaining high standards of hygiene”, said Bishop Kafula

He added that some diseases such as Cholera, Malaria and other diarrhoea related cases can be prevented by keeping high standards of hygiene hence the need to adhere to the Presidential directive of Keeping Zambia Clean and Health.

Speaking at the same event, Rufunsa District Health Director, Peter Kakonde said cleanliness and good hygiene are cardinal in preventing the outbreak of certain diseases.

Dr Kakonde said the government is spending a lot of money in curbing some diseases which can be avoided by maintaining high standards of hygiene.

“As Ministry of Health, we are distributing treated mosquito nets to households in an effort to prevent the prevalence of malaria in the district but it is sad that some people are not using the nets for the intended purpose”, said Dr Kakonde.

Meanwhile, one of the traders in Rufunsa District, has commended the government for the increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as this has enhanced development projects that had stalled due to inadequate funds that were allocated to the projects by the previous governments.

Edwin Milanzi said the increased CDF is indeed a game changer and appealed to the council to ensure that they monitor the projects so that they stand the test of time.

“Trading places need proper sanitation and clean water, and as the President has continued saying that people should have access to clean and safe water with proper sanitation by 2026, Councils should ensure that they use the CDF to actualize the President’s vision” Mr. Milanzi said.

He added that people are happy with the increased CDF as projects are now being completed within the shortest period adding that there is a need for the council to enhance monitoring of these projects to ensure sustainability

Mr Milanzi said it is sad to see some projects developing clacks before they are even handed over.