Story by Providence Maraneli
THE Second Republic and its development partners have made strides in the quest for universal hand hygiene through the construction of piped water schemes and ablution facilities in once marginalised communities.
Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in celebrating Global Hand Washing and World Toilet Day at Mbuso primary school in Matobo district this Friday.
“The commemorations mark a crucial milestone in our quest for universal hand hygiene and a celebration of innovative solutions and technologies for transforming sanitation and hygiene,” the Acting Director Coordination for Matabeleland South Province, Mrs Sikhangele Ndlovu said.
With the Second Republic on a drive to transform communities through the construction of piped water schemes and ablution facilities, Matobo district has been hailed for its commitment to the cause .
“The construction of toilets is important in the development matrix as it brings with it dignity to communities, we ought to have a national movement for hand washing with soap, so that we beat the diseases associated with hygiene and sanitation. We want to thank the community of matobo for leading in the construction of ablution facilities, we are told that of the six villages in this ward 5 have toilets in each homestead,” said stakeholders who spoke to ZBC News.
As the country moves towards vision 2030, the government is committed to improving health outcomes through reducing water-borne diseases.
“The ministry of housing is on a drive to provide requisite infrastructure inclusive of sanitation and hygiene facilities to ensure that we don’t leave anyone and any place behind,” the Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Hon Musa Ncube said.
The global hand washing and world toilet day commemorations are running under the themes , Why are clean hands still important? and sanitation for peace .
