All households in Ward 14 of Mwenezi District have been given a three-month deadline to construct latrines, as authorities intensify efforts to curb cholera and other waterborne diseases linked to poor sanitation.
The directive was issued by the Mwenezi District Water and Sanitation Sub-Committee (DWSSC) following growing concern from the Ministry of Health over persistent open defecation in the ward, which is home to more than 10,000 people.
Monthly monitoring will begin immediately, with a final inspection scheduled for April 2026. Households that fail to comply risk corrective measures, although officials emphasize that the focus remains on encouraging community responsibility and raising awareness.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to promote basic sanitation and health under the Government’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which prioritizes building resilient and healthy communities in line with Vision 2030.
Traditional leaders, councillors, and Government officials have all pledged their support for the initiative, which is being rolled out as a local response to national health priorities.
District Information Officer Rodney Kudzanai said the campaign was both necessary and timely, given the threat posed by poor sanitation.
“Open defecation puts lives at risk, especially those of children and the elderly. We cannot allow the progress of our communities to be undermined by preventable diseases. This is about restoring dignity and saving lives. It is not just about building toilets, but about building a healthier Mwenezi and ensuring no household is left behind,” he said
Kudzanai said the DWSSC would work closely with traditional leaders and local structures to ensure residents understand the importance of complying with the directive.
He also called on development partners and NGOs operating in the district to support the initiative through the provision of materials, technical expertise, and awareness campaigns.
Ward 14 has been identified as one of the areas most vulnerable to disease outbreaks due to low latrine coverage and poor hygiene practices. Authorities say this renewed push will help lay the foundation for sustainable water and sanitation solutions across the district.
The Ministry of Health has commended Mwenezi District for taking proactive steps and urged other districts facing similar challenges to adopt community-driven approaches that prioritize public health and development.
Honestly, in this day and age, every household should have a pit latrine. It is essential for all villagers, countrywide, to construct proper sanitation facilities to help prevent the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and other related illnesses.