Amalima Loko program, funded by USAID, has built a toilet facility to cater for people with disabilities (PWDs), and staff members and rehabilitated the sewer system at Zenka clinic in Ward 22, Nkayi South.
The facilities were officially handed over to the clinic on Wednesday during the celebration of Amalima Day which was held at the health centre.
Zenka Clinic serves a total of 13 villages across two wards, 22 and 23.
Speaking on behalf of the clinic at the ceremony, the Environmental Health Practitioner for Ward 22 and 23, Thabiso Ndlovu, expressed gratitude for the project, noting that the clinic had been facing challenges with inadequate facilities and their sewer pipes were constantly blocked.
“We are grateful for this kind gesture from Amalima Loko. We now have a toilet for PWDs. We shall put up a ramp so that they can wheel their wheelchairs with ease to use the ablution facility. The other toilet will be reserved for women who will be menstruating,” Ndlovu said.
“We also received two latrines for staff members, the bathrooms and toilets for waiting mothers have been fixed. An overhaul was performed on the sewer system, it had been perennially blocked but it is now perfect. The toilets for the maternal side have been fixed and they can now flush properly, improving hygiene at the clinic.”
Member of Parliament for Nkayi South, Jabulani Hadebe, commended Amalima-Loko for the development they had brought to his constituency, before adding a donation of ten bags of cement to construct a ramp that will be used by PWDs to access the toilets.
“I am very grateful for the support that my constituency has received from Amalima Loko. They have built toilet facilities that will exclusively serve PWDs and women who will be on their menstruation cycle. They also fixed staff toilets and the sewer system as a whole was malfunctioning. This means that people who are going to come here seeking medical attention are going to get assisted at a highly hygienic place,” he said.
“As a parliament representative of this place I felt the urge to also contribute to this noble cause of developing our health facility. I donated ten bags of cement that will be used to build a ramp for those who use wheelchairs, which will lead to the toilets. I have also donated some medicinal books that are going to be used by the health personnel here to advance their knowledge. The books will be added to the clinic library.”
Nkayi District Development Coordinator, Matilda Mlotshwa, said the gesture serves as a testament that unity of purpose between government, community and other partners, huge results can be achieved.
“The scope of the Zenka Clinic WASH rehabilitation includes sewer system overhaul, water reticulation system repairs, two double-compartment ventilated improved pit latrines (BVIPs) – two for outpatients and two for waiting mothers and repair of handwashing sinks, flush toilet systems, water taps, and bathrooms,” Mlotshwa said.
“These WASH improvements, along with the dedication of healthcare workers, have contributed to a healthier community and a reduction in Open Defecation. I challenge the community of cluster 21 to become an Open Defecation-Free Zone by end of 2025. Above all, may we all make our homesteads ideal – with latrines, pot racks, refuse pits, and micro gardens.”
