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Chief questions govt seriousness on water, sanitation

Group village head (GVH) Changoima of Traditional Authority (T/A) Chapananga in Chikwawa has questioned government’s seriousness on its commitment to promoting water, sanitation and hygiene in public places and rural areas.
Changoima noted that government is failing to match its ‘word with action’ on the promotion of sanitation and hygiene.
Speaking at Changoima Full Primary School during a citizen action forum last Thursday, Changoima disclosed that Dyeratu, Changoima and Chapananga trading centres are operating without running water and toilets despite council officials collecting market fees from these centres.
The chief said authorities cannot talk about sanitation and hygiene when government is failing to provide them with necessary facilities such as boreholes, piped water and toilets.
“Judging from its actions, one would argue that government is not really committed to promoting water, sanitation and hygiene in rural-based markets and villages. Yet, councils are always eager to come and collect fees from vendors trading in these markets,” he said.
With funding from the Department for International Development (DfID), the National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust and Water Aid are implementing a project to empower citizens to demand water and sanitation services from duty-bearers.

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