Government Called To Fund Toilet Installation For Better Sanitation
PRIMA
Members of Parliament under the Water and Sanitation Coalition have called on the government to address the decline in sanitation and hygiene in the country, especially with about 5.5% of the over 65-year-old elderly population said to be facing difficulty using traditional pit latrines. This among other issues including overpopulation in refugee camps, high prices of soap, and unclear accountability of sanitation implementation officers, was addressed in a meeting between sanitation activists under Twaweza, Africa, and Water and Sanitation Coalition MPs at Parliament.
At parliament today, sanitation activists under Twaweza, Africa, held a press conference with the Water and Sanitation Coalition MPs in light of discussing the population’s sanitation and hygiene.
From the survey conducted by Twaweza, it was revealed that 5.5% of the elderly population in the country over the age of 65 years is facing difficulty using traditional pit latrines, which is one of the reasons for the deterioration of sanitation in the country.
Responding to the findings, the Shadow Minister for Water and Environment, Christine Nakimwero, expressed displeasure, calling for government to provide appropriate types of toilets that can match the needs of the elderly.
Hon. Nakimwero also pointed to the overpopulation in refugee centers, especially in Northern Uganda, calling for accommodation of a manageable number in line with available resources.
With the high price of soap affecting the attainment of proper sanitation, especially in rural areas, the MPs advocated for measures to help solve the issue.
She also called for strict monitoring of deployed officers in charge of implementing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives, especially at local government levels across the country, advocating for clear accountability of government money.
A sanitation symposium will be held on November 28th, 2024, in Butaleja district to address the problem of water infiltration in the area, and the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, is expected to grace the event as chief guest.
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