Rushinga benefits from water, sanitation project

AT least 276 boreholes have been rehabilitated, while 781 toilets have been constructed under the Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Project in Rushinga District since last June.

The project is being undertaken by Government, with funding from the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development.

It has so far covered about 12 districts nationwide including Rushinga.

The project, which seeks to enlighten communities on the need for basic and decent sanitation and safe water supplies that should be within recommended distances to prevent women and the girl child from travelling long distances to fetch water, started in June 2017 and will end in October this year.

The project also saw the rehabilitation of Rusambo Piped Water Scheme, which serves a population of 1 618, encompassing three institutions and five villages.

Rushinga District Administrator Mr Clever Machekera said the projects were community driven.

“What it means is that after all the education on hygiene and meetings held, communities are expected to gain an understanding of the importance of using a toilet and practising good hygiene such as the washing of hands at all critical times, having a rubbish pit and pot rakes at their homes,” he said.

“This innovative approach encourages communities to discuss vital health issues, take responsibility for their own sanitation and build their own latrines through a zero-subsidy approach to eliminate open defecation.

“All this has to be done under the guidance of traditional leaders such as village heads, headmen and chiefs.”

He said the project also saw 150 latrine builders being trained, while 359 water point committees were set up.

A total of 50 community health clubs were also established.

“We have achieved yes, but we need to have more villages saying no to open defecation. This then means that, if my neighbour has a toilet, I can safely use it as I construct mine.

“It is of importance to note that in Dambakurima Village, there are 32 households and 30 of those have toilets, while two have access to a toilet. All the households have rubbish pits, pot racks and tippy taps,” he said.

Mr Machekera urged the villagers to continue upholding health standards in the communities.

“I want to urge you to uphold the standards you have attained at all costs even if the donor support is withdrawn.

“We need to continue consulting the extension workers we have been working with, such as environmental health technicians,” said Mr Machekera.