By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, January 31, Mana: The community in Mikundi Extension Planning Area (EPA) in Mchinji is experiencing a life-changing transformation as modern toilets replace outdated facilities, thanks to the efforts of Assemblies of God Care (AG CARE) an implementing partner of Sustainable Food System for Rural Agriculture Transformation and Resilience (TRANSFORM) programme.

One of the key aspects of the project involves providing sanitation entrepreneur training and deployment, resulting in skilled artisans constructing modern toilets across the EPA, including schools.

Benson Friday, Deputy Head Teacher at Chitunda Primary School, shared the impact of this intervention on their institution.

Friday said: "We faced challenges with pit latrines covered with trees and later concrete slabs, both proving to be neither durable nor protective as they could usually collapse, but the introduction of modern toilets called Corbelled or 'Mwamuna apumule' in 2022 by an AG CARE-trained artisan brought a positive change. These toilets do not only fill up quickly but are also cost-effective and environmentally friendly, eliminating the use of trees."

Binton Katengeza, a trained artisan from Mtenje Village, highlighted the life-changing impact of the project on individual lives.

"After receiving training, I approached the Village Development Committee (VDC) to share information about modern toilets, now, I construct these toilets for schools and individuals, and earn a sustainable income that is transforming my life,” he said.

Ganizani Chirindanji, WASH coordinator in Mchinji, emphasised the importance of the project in addressing challenges affecting hygiene and sanitation.

“In Mchinji there is one problem of water logging that is a challenge to hygiene and sanitation, so most toilets collapse, but Corbelled toilets are recommended and improved latrines that take time to fill and do not collapse easily,” said Chirindanji.

The benefits of the project extend beyond schools, reaching communities and individual households.

Takondwa Phanga, AG CARE Programmes Manager, outlined the comprehensive approach of the TRANSFORM programme, reaching 5,160 farmers in Mchinji.

“The micro-investment component we are implementing also includes providing safe water, promoting hygiene and ensuring good nutrition. This involves constructing shallow wells equipped with hand pumps, rehabilitating boreholes, and training artisans to build modern toilets,” said Phanga.

TRANSFORM project, is funded by Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and Dan Church Aid (DCA.