Story by Fungai Jachi
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to water and sanitation for learners, leveraging on its borehole drilling exercise which has seen most rural schools benefitting.
Access to clean water and decent toilets has always been a challenge to most rural schools, but over the years the situation has changed with authorities prioritising the sinking of solar-powered boreholes and construction of toilets to ensure learners are kept healthy.
This Friday all districts in Masvingo Province gathered at Hlanganani High School in Chiredzi East for belated celebrations of the Day of the African Child where issues of water, sanitation and hygiene took centre stage.
Junior Parliamentarians acknowledged the success stories while also imploring government to step up efforts in once marginalised communities.
“We see toilets being constructed and access to water improving but there are schools in previously marginalised areas which still need attention,” said Masvingo North Junior Parliamentarian, Honourable Nicole Foni.
“Access to clean water is a right and we would really appreciate it if rural school have access to water too and not only that sanitary wear should be made available for girls as some are still using unhealthy ways during menstruation,” noted Bikita East Junior Parliamentarian, Honourable, Tawonga Muchinguri.
Chiredzi East legislator Honourable Siyaki Mundungehama and Director Infrastructure Planning and Environmental Management in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr Douglas Chimhande who was representing Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Ezra Chadzamira concurred government is in the right direction in improving access to water and sanitation facilities in schools.
“In my constituency most of the schools now have water and toilets have been constructed. Even the distribution of sanitary wear is being prioritised,” noted Honourable Mundungehama.
“Government is prioritising WASH in schools to ensure no learner is affected by bad Hygiene. We know there are certain areas that still face lack of toilets this must be sorted out. Children must not suffer for lack of water it is a right which should be upheld. The community and government should work together to ensure there are more boreholes. Girls should not stop coming to school because of lack of sanitary wear. It should be readily available,” said Mr Chimhande.
After the official proceedings it was time for entertainment by various Xibelani dance groups who entertained the crowd with well-coordinated dance moves.
As Masvingo commemorates the Day of the African Child under the theme of Water and Sanitation, the message is clear: clean water, safe toilets and dignity for every child.
