By Mphatso M’bang’ombe
DOWA-(MaraviPost)-The Ministry of water and Sanitation has encouraged the communities in Dowa district to always practice hygiene in order to manage diseases that follows due to poor hygiene in there localities.
Speaking during the clean- up exercise at Dowa turn-off, Secretary for Water and Sanitation, Elias Chimulambe said that the clean up initiatives will help the market users and the entire communities to fight the out break of cholera.
“These initiatives are happening following directive from His Excellency, The President Dr Lazarus Macathy Chakwera made in year 2020 that we should have clean- up day in a month”, said Chimulambe.
Chimulambe said that these initiatives are bearing fruits and as a ministry they are satisfied with response from community members in markets, schools Health facilities and households by taking part in cleaning their places.
In support with government, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), donated sanitation and hygine related items which include, tablets of soap for hand washing, 20 litre buckets for transporting water, 50 litre buckets for storage for hand washing especially in schools and Health Facilities.
Water and Sanitation specialist at UNICEF, Chimwemwe Nyimba said that they donate these items with an aim of maintaining proper hygiene and preventing the spread of desease, especially in the areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
“UNICEF aims to promote hand washing practices and improve overall hygiene conditions , particularly among among children and vulnerable population”, said Chimwemwe Nyimba.
In a separate interview Traditional Authority (T/A) Mkukula thanked the organizers and said that for his office to ensure that the community remains clean and free from litter in the future.
He emphasized the importance of taking responsibility for our environment and encouraged everyone to actively participate in future clean-up activities.
The chief also expressed gratitude to the community members who came out to support the clean-up exercise, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to improving the overall cleanliness of the area.
