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The Buhera Residents Network Trust has raised concerns over poor human excreta disposal in some parts of the Buhera District.
According to the latest statistics, 63% of Buhera residents practice open excretion which poses potential cholera and typhoid outbreaks, especially during the rainy season that is 2 months ahead.
This was revealed at a disaster risk reduction community engagement which was held on the 24th of August 2022.
Speaking to Spiked Online Media just after the engagement, the Buhera Residents Network Trust coordinator, Leonard Mabasa, said that the situation is very unpleasant hence the need for the communities to be educated on the dangers of open defecation.
Mabasa also suggested the enactment of by-laws by traditional leaders which makes it mandatory for each and every household to build a toilet and strictly enforce adherence to hygiene principles.
“As Buhera Residents Network Trust, we are worried by poor waste disposal in our district. The problem is prevalent in Buhera Central and Buhera South areas.
“This open excretion practice is a serious health threat in the community as it may lead to the outbreak of diseases such as cholera and typhoid. The situation is disgusting and horrible and an eyesore during the rainy and windy season. The use of bushes is regarded as unsafe and primitive. Residents who have no toilets are at high risk of dysentery, cholera, and typhoid.
“I suggest that to avert this challenge, there is a need for solid partnerships in communities to pool resources together. Traditional leaders should establish by-laws in their jurisdictional zones that demand a toilet for every household. Village registers should indicate the level of compliance, roping in environmental health technicians for proper pegging of toilets,” said Mabasa.
Residents have also been challenged to take health matters seriously and to try by all means to use the resources that are on their reach for their good.
“I also encourage residents to mould bricks, acquire cement and build modern toilets as groups, or household by household. This will improve our communities. The responsibility to have a peaceful, progressive, and modernized society is our responsibility.
“Considering the abundance of natural resources it is prudent that we exploit them for the improvement of our sanitation levels. People should also pay attention to all public health promotions on issues of hygiene and sanity,” he said
Meanwhile, Mabasa revealed that the elderly and people with disabilities are experiencing challenges in responding to nature due to this problem of toilet shortages.
“The elderly, women, and persons with disabilities struggle to relieve themselves in homes where there is the unavailability of toilets. Their privacy and comfort are at high stake and highly compromised,” added Mabasa.
Most families in Buhera South and Central are reported to rely on bushes as toilets.
The disaster risk reduction community engagement was held in ward 23 Buhera on 24 August 2022.
It was attended by delegates from Buhera Rural District Council, Social Service Department, Ministry of Health and Child Care, teachers, children, community care workers, persons with disabilities, Ministry of Local Government (District and Provincial Office), Councillors, and traditional leaders from ward 18, 20, 22 and 23.