By Yamikani Yapuwa

Thyolo, September 2, Mana:

Mchima Estate has donated cleaning materials worth over K 1.3 million to Thyolo District Council in a significant effort to promote hygiene and maintain a clean environment.

The donation, which includes wheelbarrows, rakes, and shovels, is intended to support market-cleaning efforts and enhance public health in the district.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Human Resources Manager for Mchima Estate, Darlington Kawawa said the donation was in response to a request from the District Commissioner (DC) for cleaning materials to improve hygiene standards in the area.

“We are responding to a request from the DC to supply cleaning materials. We thought it wise to respond because cleaning our area is essential. Estates are part and parcel of Thyolo District Council, and their problems are also ours,” he said.

Kawawa added that there is a big connection between the estates and the local community, noting that many people working on the estates rely on the market for their daily needs.

“If Cholera erupts in the market, the estate will also be affected hugely. Therefore, we are holding hands with the council to promote hygiene and ensure a clean environment,” he added.

The Manager called on other estates in Thyolo to join the effort in supporting the council, pointing out that Mchima Estate’s contribution represents only 10 percent of the total request made by the Council.

“For us to have a clean Thyolo Boma, it will depend on all estates responding. We have only contributed 10 percent of the request, which means 90 percent is remaining,” he appealed.

DC for Thyolo, Hudson Kuphanga expressed his gratitude for the support from Mchima Estate, stating that the donation would greatly assist in maintaining cleanliness in the market and mitigating the risk of diseases such as cholera.

“This generous donation from Mchima Estate is a big step towards improving the hygiene and sanitation of our market spaces. It demonstrates a true partnership between the council and private sector, which is essential for the well-being of our community,” he said.

Kuphanga issued a stern warning against the theft of the donated equipment, cautioning that the law will take its course on those found engaging in such activities.

Acting Director of Environment and Natural Resources, Mirriam Yona commended Mchima Estate for its proactive role in supporting environmental health initiatives in Thyolo.

“Cleanliness and hygiene are crucial components of environmental management, and Mchima Estate’s support is highly commendable. We urge other estates and private entities to emulate this gesture and contribute to a healthier Thyolo,” she said.

Yona emphasized the importance of collective efforts in ensuring that markets and public spaces are kept clean to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.