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ZAMBIA RED CROSS PROVIDES WATERBORNE SANITATION FACILITIES TO CHIMWEMWE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Chimwemwe Primary School in Chawama is benefiting from Zambia Red Cross Society’s (ZRCS) ongoing project to construct five waterborne sanitation facilities across schools in Lusaka, aimed at improving hygiene and sanitation standards.

At Chimwemwe Primary School, construction is underway on a new ablution block that will include nine squat pans and three urinals for boys, and eight squat pans for girls. Both sections will be equipped with hand wash basins to promote good hygiene practices. The project brings much-needed relief to the school, which has been struggling with only 12 toilets for a population of over 6,400 pupils.

During a recent inspection of the site, ZRCS Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Officer Emmanuel Chiwele explained that Chimwemwe Primary is one of five schools selected for the project, in line with a directive from the Ministry of Education to improve sanitation in schools with a high population of learners. Other schools benefiting from the initiative include Chipata Primary School in Chipata Compound, Edwin Mulongoti Primary School in Matero, and two additional schools in Chilanga and Kafue.

Chimwemwe Primary School Headteacher, Mrs. Inonge Mumbuna Kakeya, expressed her relief at the progress being made, citing the difficulties the school has faced, particularly during past cholera outbreaks.

“We are so delighted that our school was chosen among many others. With over 6,400 pupils and only 12 toilets, the situation has been very difficult. The new facilities will significantly improve sanitation here,”

Said Chimwemwe Primary School Headteacher, Mrs. Inonge Mumbuna Kakeya

Mrs. Kakeya further noted that there had been times when the school’s toilets were frequently non-functional, posing serious health risks to both students and staff.

Senior teacher Mrs. Violet Ntakaila Adeleke echoed these sentiments, welcoming the ZRCS initiative as a crucial step in improving hygiene and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera.

“The addition of these toilets will help enhance good hygiene practices and reduce the risk of contracting cholera among learners and staff,”

Senior teacher Mrs. Violet Ntakaila Adeleke

Blessings Banda, a grade 8 pupil, expressed her gratitude, highlighting the long queues and unsanitary conditions that had previously plagued the school.

“We had very few toilets, and they were always dirty because so many of us had to use them at the same time,” she said.

Said Blessings Banda, a grade 8 pupil

This sanitation project is part of ZRCS Cholera Appeal response, funded by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

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