By Brighton Chimsinde

Mchinji, May 16, Mana: Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Liana Kakhobwe Chapota, says the Malawi Government, in partnership with other stakeholders, has so far enabled around 138 Traditional Authorities (TAs) to attain Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across the country.

The Deputy Minister made the remarks while presenting an ODF status certificate to the area of Chief Kapondo in Mchinji District, where the achievement was made possible through interventions led by World Vision Malawi’s (WVM) Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Project.

Chapota said government is committed to improving sanitation and hygiene as a measure of fighting water and airborne diseases.

“For instance, government demonstrates commitment by instituting a stand-alone Ministry of Water and Sanitation that solely focuses on hygiene and sanitation. The ministry makes sure that issues of hygiene and sanitation are dealt with.  Mind you, without improving sanitation it results in a higher prevalence rate of waterborne related diseases in the communities,” she said.

Chapota added that the government is optimistic about achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.2 of ending open defecation by 2030.

The minister called on other non-governmental organizations to emulate commendable examples demonstrated by the WVM in the country.

World Vision WASH Project Manager, Panganani Njolomole, reaffirmed their organization’s commitment to work with the government in providing potable water, hygiene and sanitary facilities in rural areas across the country.

NJolomole said WVM has set aside K400 million for two area development programmes of Rusa and Bua Mtete catchments in the district.

“WVM has committed to inject funds to ensure that every house has improved climate-resilient latrines. We know that it is easy to achieve ODF status but difficult to maintain it. Therefore, the money will help community members to buy building materials like iron sheets and cement at subsidized prices for their improved toilets,” Njolomole said.

TA Kapondo of Mchinji thanked WVM and the government for working together to attain status in their area.

"I am thankful to all the stakeholders, however, I am also appealing to community leaders in the area to take a leading role in maintaining the ODF status," said the chief.