Zimpapers Logo

Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected] 

Amid climate change, with its effects resulting in difficulties in accessing water, Matabeleland South had the opportunity to host the joint national Global Handwashing Day and World Toilet Day on Friday. The event allowed the province to take stock of its water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives and reflect on their importance in economic development.

The event, hosted in Matobo District Ward 11, was attended by various line ministries, government departments, and developmental partners. Running under the themes “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important” for Global Handwashing Day and “Sanitation for Purpose” for World Toilet Day, the event emphasised the importance of sanitation and hygiene in attaining Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Celebrated on October 15, Global Handwashing Day is an annual event that promotes the importance of handwashing with soap and water to prevent diseases and save lives. World Toilet Day is celebrated on November 19.

In his keynote address during the joint commemorations, Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora, represented by the Director of Environmental Health Services Mr Vincent Nyamande, said as the nation works towards the attainment of Vision 2030 and the SDGs, the Government, through the whole-of-government and society approach, has taken reasonable legislative measures within the limits of available resources to achieve the progressive realisation of the set goals.

“I am pleased to be here on this milestone event, which also marks an important step in our drive towards achieving our Vision 2030 and SDG six. Today, my ministry launches our National Sanitation and Hygiene Policy. 

“The policy aims to achieve sustainable access to safely managed sanitation and hygiene services for a healthy nation. It focuses on accelerating behaviour change communication, promoting sustainable financing and investment, defining minimum national service standards, strengthening innovation, research, and development, and enhancing service platform delivery and the enabling environment to realise this vision,” said Dr Mombeshora.

He said the Government is prioritising the review of the Sanitation and Hygiene Strategy next year with a focus on the elimination of open defecation. He acknowledged the support from various development partners in promoting safe water delivery, handwashing, and hygiene practices in Zimbabwe.

In his remarks, Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister Engineer Benjamin Kabikira commended Matabeleland South for setting a good example, with some parts of the province now declared open defecation-free. He urged local authorities to rally together and play their respective parts towards the realisation of open defecation-free communities.

Public Works Deputy Minister, Engineer Benjamin Kabikira (white coat)

“May I remind you that Vision 2030 is about embracing the upward growth trajectory, especially in such areas which directly touch the life, health, and dignity of our citizens. In our local government sector, the current key driver is premised on the instructions contained in the Local Authorities’ Service Delivery Blueprint — ‘Call to Action — No Compromise to Service Delivery’ launched by President Dr E D Mnangagwa on 1 November 2023. It is critical to note that the report back on targets set in the Blueprint of 30 June 2024 has indicated significant progress on our part,” said Deputy Minister Kabikira.

As such, he said local authorities should strive and continue to make Vision 2030 realisable by playing the specific roles stressed in various policy documents. 

President Mnangagwa

“I am pleased to inform you that the Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) for various service delivery areas in local authorities are now in place. They have been piloted and will soon be rolled out to the 92 local authorities. Further, the Inspectorate Department, as instructed in the said blueprint, has also been established. The successfully crafted MSDS Indicators and Reporting Framework are in the following service categories: water supply, sanitation management, solid waste management, roads and public lighting, corporate governance, public health, environmental stewardship, and housing and community services.”

He said it is, therefore, critical to underscore that local authorities, as a third tier of Government, are a critical stakeholder in achieving an upper middle-income society by 2030.

Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr Eveline Ndlovu, represented by the Director for Co-ordination Ms Sikhangele Ndlovu, said WASH programmes support climate-resilient water management, conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.

“As we march towards Vision 2030, which aims to transform our country into an upper-middle-income society, WASH programmes are crucial in contributing to improved health outcomes through reducing water-borne diseases and mortality rates. Access to safe water and sanitation boosts productivity by reducing healthcare costs and increasing economic opportunities. Furthermore, WASH in schools programmes help in improving attendance and promoting gender equality.”

The commemoration event commenced with a tour of the WASH projects at Mbusi Primary School in Ward 11 and was accompanied by entertainment, including poems, dramas, and speeches by students from different schools in the province, emphasising the critical role WASH plays in promoting healthy living.

“Matabeleland South Hosts Joint Global Handwashing and World Toilet Day to Promote WASH Initiatives”

“National Sanitation and Hygiene Policy Launched at Matabeleland South’s Global Handwashing Day Event.

@SikhulekelaniM1