By Mwai Kumanda

Lilongwe, July 13, Mana: Councilor for Chiwamba Ward in the area of Traditional Authority Chimutu, Hardwell Jani has urged people in his area to observe hygiene and sanitation for them to avoid contracting waterborne diseases such as cholera.

Jani made the call on Friday during the clean-up exercise at Chiwamba market, which was organized by the Lilongwe district council.

He said members of the community can end diseases like cholera in their communities if they continue observing hygiene and sanitation on daily basis in their homes and public places such as markets.

Jani further said people should stop thinking that the clean-up exercises that President Chakwera introduced are for the officers only saying it is for every person even those who are not employed in government agencies and departments.

“Cholera is a result of poor sanitation, so the only way of preventing it is to observe hygiene. I am encouraging people of this community to take these clean-up exercises seriously,” he said.

Health Surveillance Assistant for Chiwamba Health Centre, Francis Mdzinga thanked the council for the initiative saying it has been an eye opener to the members of the community on the importance of keeping their surrounding tidy and clean.

Mdzinga further said good sanitation and hygiene practices can also boost people’s mental, emotional well-being and energy to tackle their daily activities.

Lilongwe District Council Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Blessings Makhilinga said the council will continue working hand in hand with members of the community in promoting hygiene and sanitation to prevent diseases.

Makhilinga said it is the wish of the council to end the spread of the cholera outbreak in the district, hence adopting the initiative.