Public sanitation improves in Blantyre—survey
A recent survey conducted by Water for People in Blantyre peri-urban areas has revealed that sanitation has improved in public institution but declined at household level.
The survey conducted early this year targeted schools, health facilities and households.
Presenting the findings to stakeholders in Blantyre on Wednesday, Water for People monitoring and evaluation specialist Brian Majamanda said the survey covered almost 96 percent peri-urban public institutions, representing a sample of 73 while 1 729 peri urban households were reached.
He said overall, public institutions’ level of service has increased in peri-urban from 93.5 percent in 2021 to 94.5 in 2023.
He said at household level, service reduced from 98.1 percent in 2021 to 90.7 in 2023.
Said Majamanda: “At public institutions, we were looking at access to improved water system,
adequate water quality, funds for maintenance, access to sanitation facilities, infrastructure sanitation and hand-washing facilities.
“At household level, we were focusing on access to sanitation facilities, including toilets and safe sludge management.”
The survey revealed that Chirimba, Chileka, Chilomoni, Ndirande Malabada, Soche, Sigerege, Ndirande Namalimwe and Matope, Mzedi, Misesa, Che Somba, Manyowe and Machinjiri have registered a decline in the same.
Meanwhile, Blantyre City Council deputy director of health and social services Samudeni Seunda said the survey findings show that there are things being done right in the city.
He said now that the situation is calm after Cyclone Freddy, the city will engage citizens on how to improve sanitation in peri-urban households.
“Most facilities that could have improved the levels of sanitation were damaged by the cyclone. The survey has given us some insights that need to be worked on,” said Seunda.
