National News

Stray pigs raise hygiene, sanitation concerns

 

 

Communities along Lake Malawi in Nkhotakota have expressed concern over stray pigs in their areas, saying they are  compromising hygiene and sanitation in the district.

Some families in Vinthenga Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Makuta say they are at risk of contracting diseases caused by poor hygiene and sanitation due to the stray pigs that are always on free range.

Vinthenga: We need by-laws to regulate the movement of pigs

This was revealed during a Malawi Red Cross Society volunteer door-to-door campaign to sensise the community on cholera prevention, especially during the forthcoming rainy season which is approaching.

One of the villagers, Dora Malithano, said it was impossible to follow hygiene and sanitation best practices because the pigs loiter around and dig into pit latrines.

“My pit latrine was destroyed by pigs some months ago. Right now, I am constructing another one but I know they will damage it again,” she said.

A visit to one of the farmers by this reporter established that she has over 40 pigs and has no proper kraal.

Group village head Vinthenga said there was need for by-laws to force pig farmers to restrict movement of their livestock.

One of the volunteers, Sphiwe Nkhoma, said they have referred the issue to Village Development Committee (VDC).

Malawi Red Cross Society communications and humanitarian diplomacy manager Felix Washon said rearing of pigs needs all stakeholders to come together and sensitise farmers to the importance of keeping their livestock in well-built kraals. n

Related Articles

Back to top button