— Golden Jubilee celebrations an opportunity for Zambia’s interventions in the water sector – Chakaba.

Golden Jubilee celebrations an opportunity for Zambia’s interventions in the water sector – Chakaba.

Nchelenge, 26th August, 2014,  ZANIS  — Government says interventions aimed at improving the water and sanitation index of the country should characterize the celebration of the 50 years of independence.

Nchelenge District Commissioner Royd Chakaba says the Golden Jubilee celebrations should provide an opportunity to highlight Zambia’s priority interventions in the water and sanitation sector.

Mr. Chakaba has hailed President Michael Sata and his administration for providing the leadership and commitment in addressing the challenges posed by the poor sanitary conditions especially in rural districts.

He said the participatory approach employed by the government in identifying the water and sanitation problems is commendable and will help to improve the status quo especially in rural dwellings.

ZANIS reports that Mr. Chakaba said this in a speech read for him by the District Administrative Officer (DAO) Gift Hajongola when he official opened of a three day Community Led Total Sanitation (CTLS) workshop today.

The training workshop which is being held at the Saint Paul’s School of nursing has drawn participants from the traditional leadership, heads of government departments and extension staff.

The DC further said the government recognizes and cherishes the role of the traditional leaders in the water and sanitation sector.

He observed that the chiefs and village headpersons can easily use their inherent powers to sensitize their subjects and influence the adoption good sanitation practices.

However, the DC regretted that about two point five billion people of the world population which represent one in three people lack access to adequate sanitation.

Mr. Chakaba retaliated the government through the councils remain committed to work with other stakeholders such as line ministries, cooperating partners and the traditional leaders among others.

Meanwhile Mr. Chakaba bemoaned the inadequate sanitation facilities, unsafe drinking water and poor hygiene practices in rural district schools.

Mr. Chakaba said the inadequate sanitation facilities, unsafe drinking water and poor hygiene practices are the major causes of diarrhea diseases in rural schools.

He said this situation coupled with other social responsibilities has often times prevented the children of school going age from attending lessons.