ANDREW TEMBO
Correspondent
Water for People has constructed three inclusive ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines at Phimbi Primary School in Chikwawa District to enhance sanitation.
The facilities are part of the organisation’s initiative focusing on improving access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash) in rural areas.
Speaking on Thursday during the handover of the facilities, Water for People country director Ulemu Chiluzi said together with donors, they want to ensure access to safe water and improved sanitation for learners.
He said: “The organisation works to ensure that every school has improved sanitation facilities that promote hygiene.
“The construction of inclusive VIP latrines for boys, girls, staff and persons with disabilities at Phimbi Primary School is part of this commitment.”
Chiluzi said the support contributes to Malawi’s progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number Six about access to clean water and proper sanitation by 2030.
He said: “Inclusive VIP latrines, as guided by Unicef in Malawi, are designed to be accessible to all, including people with disabilities, old learners and children, safe and dignified to use.
“They should be equipped with improved sanitation features such as ventilation pipes, reduced odour, fly control and enhanced privacy.”
On her part, One Foundation UK director of strategies for partnerships Charlotte Hammend, whose foundation supported the initiative, reaffirmed their commitment to funding Wash initiatives in rural areas.
“We will continue supporting Malawi,” she said.
Chikwawa district coordinating primary education adviser Gerald Pengapenga said the new sanitation infrastructure will help ease sanitation challenges for learners.
“Only 20 out of 186 primary schools in the district currently have access to latrines, demonstrating a need for more support,” he said.
A learner, Priscilla Chimtengo, expressed gratitude for the facilities.
“Girls had limited space for a changing room, causing delays and missed classes; the new facilities will eliminate this challenge,” she said.
