Wash builds toilets, boreholes in Ntchisi

The World Vision Water and Sanitation Hygiene (Wash) project in the Nthondo Area Development Programme (ADP)  in Ntchisi has  built toilets in several schools as a way of helping the girl child  return to school.

One of the teachers at Kayoyo Primary School Prisca Madolo explained in an interview on Monday that many girls used to shun classes during menstrual cycle as they lacked proper sanitary facilities.

“The toilets we had here were not conducive for any child but the girls were biggest victims because there was no privacy. It was not surprising to see them missing classes for several days in a month,” said  Madolo.

She said that the toilets which were built two years ago by World Vision are still in a good condition and can be easily used even by disabled students.

“The toilets have proper seats and handles which make them easy to use even by disabled pupils. Incidences of diarrhoea have also ended because there is water nearby the toilets and every child washes their hands after visiting the loo,” said Madolo.

Wash project construction engineer John Katapa disclosed in an interview that World Vision has built eight VIP toilets each with eight toilet holes.

“We have received positive feedback from both the teachers and students and having provided very good sanitation facilities for the girl child, it makes us more happy and satisfied,” said Katapa.

Apart from the VIP toilets, World Vision has also sank 28 new boreholes and rehabilitated about 36 old ones.

“Where we have sank the boreholes, we have also constructed laundry pads which have a cement seat to help pregnant mothers or those with physical disabilities easily wash their clothes. It is interesting that even the able-bodied individuals also use the seat when they are tired washing while standing,” said Katapa.