Mzuzu faces sanitation crisis

Persistent rains in Mzuzu have destroyed numerous toilets in the city, eroding gains made by a peri-urban sanitation project funded by the European Union.

The project, being implemented by CCAP Synod of Livingstonia Development Department (Soldev), Mzuzu City Council and Plan Malawi, encourages low-income residents to own and use modern sanitation facilities.

But the change agents are worried that households which adopted the desired sanitation and hygiene practices could revert to defecating in the open as toilets keep collapsing.

Soldev coordinator Daniel Nyirenda described the rains as a major setback  following the crumbling of some pit-latrines in marshy townships where low-income earners live.

High water table and the use of cheap building materials make the sanitation facilities prone to heavy rains.

Some of the pit latrines are also overflowing into waterways.

 “People have realised that by observing hygiene, they prevent several diseases and live a healthy life, but we are beginning to experience challenges with the persistent rains. Some of the toilets are falling apart and rubbish pits are overflowing, posing a threat to communities,” said Nyirenda.

The worst hit townships are densely populated, with little space for new toilets.

Mzuzu City Council cleansing services officer Duncan Nyirenda said despite the challenges, city residents now understand the importance of proper waste management and other hygiene. n