Residents use Ndirande-Matope primary school toilets

Authorities at Ndirande-Matope Primary school in Blantyre have appealed to companies and organisations to assist them in constructing a fence around the school in order to deal with the serious security challenges facing the institution.

Chairperson for the school management committee Joseph Batumeyo made the appeal on Monday when Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM) handed over two toilets worth K2 million (about $3,191) at the school.

He said some unknown criminals continue to steal and vandalise the school’s property, hence the need for a fence to bolster security.

Batumeyo also condemned some residents around the school who use the institution’s toilets to relieve themselves, saying the tendency compromises on sanitation.

The school has 1934 learners, with 12 toilets only.

Said Batumeyo: “Most of the residents around this area and some passersby are using the school toilets and this is putting our children at risk of contracting diseases because these people don’t even care; the toilets are found littered with faeces every now and then. I believe if we had a fence these people would not have been coming here.”

According to Batumeyo, they have already moulded 7 000 bricks, but need cement to roll out the fence project.

Member of Parliament (MP) for Blantyre City Central Themba Mkandawire noted that most non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the country prefer working in rural areas, shunning urban setups.

Appealed Mkandawire: “We are having challenges attracting support from most of these NGOs. I would like them to understand that due to high population in urban areas we are facing security challenges, lack of school blocks and poor sanitation. We need them to support us as well.”

TNM’s head of Blantyre region David Nyirenda called on the corporate world to join hands in addressing some of the challenges the country is facing.

“As TNM we are trying our part, but we cannot do it alone. We have to work together for the betterment of our society,” said Nyirenda.

Ndirande resident Chrissy Dickson won K2 million in TNM’s Ufulu promotion and decided to use her prize money in constructing the two toilets.

Each of the winner was required to choose a social responsibility project of his/her choice worth K2 million.