CommuTalk Reporter
GOKWE: The Gokwe sanitation programme has brought joy to villagers of the Chidhaka area, after the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe in partnership with the government saw the construction of 36 community toilets.
Villagers who spoke to CommuTalk during the handover ceremony could not hide their joy as they largely expressed that open defecation is now a thing of the past.
“The construction and handover of these toilets has brought us joy as we will now be less exposed to open defecation. We are now less exposed to health hazards related to hygiene,” said Elizabeth Masitera.
“We previously encountered problems, especially during the rainy season and with this development, we are no longer exposed to harsh weather conditions while relieving ourselves and more so, we have been protected from related diseases,” added Chengetai Kucherera.
Excited about the successful and well-received program, the church says the development is meant to complement government efforts of bringing development to rural communities.
“As a church, we make sure that we complement the government’s drive of leaving no one and no place behind by improving the health and livelihoods of rural communities hence embarked on this noble project,” the church representative, Bishop Accub Simba said.
Gokwe Central legislator, Daveson Masvisvi also welcomed the initiative noting that it will go a long way in improving the health status of people in his constituency.
“This initiative will play a role in improving the community’s health status. We used to face health challenges due to open defecation, especially in the rainy season but this will be a thing of the past,” Masvisvi said.
The sanitation programme, which is in line with the National Development Strategy One NDS1 is aimed at improving the health status of people in all communities.
#CommuTalk #CommunityTalk
