Phikamalaza Chiefdom was on Friday November 24, 2023 a hive of activity as scores of community members gathered to witness the declaration of the chiefdom as the first Open Defecation Free community in Chasefu District.
The chiefdom becomes the third in eastern province to be declared open defecation free after Madzimawe and Pembamoyo Chiefdoms.
The project which was initiated by Chief Phikamalaza and has been running since 2019, followed the launch of an Open Defecation Free ODF strategy by the Zambian government in 2018 which is aimed at eradicating the practice of using the bush to answer the call of nature by the year 2030 by encouraging communities to construct adequate pit latrines in their respective households.
K458, 725 has thus been spent towards the project which has seen a total of 3,824 adequate latrines being constructed by communities in 147 villages of phikamalaza chiefdom resulting in the record of 100 percent sanitation situation.
Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Paul Thole graced the celebration with the call on the chiefdom to come up with a program that will sustain the achievement for many years to come.
Mr. Thole said the achievement in the chiefdom is a clear response to governments program that seeks to improve the sanitation situation across the country.
And Chief Phikamalaza thanked government and cooperating partners that played a key role in ensuring that the program becomes a success.
The Traditional Leader indicated that his chiefdom will never be the same, stressing that sanitation remains one of the critical areas which require combined efforts to be achieved.
Meanwhile, Chasefu Member of Parliament Hon. Misheck Nyambose and Council Chairperson Chimwemwe Banda praised Chief Phikamalaza for initiating a program in his chiefdom that will change the lives of his subject for the better.
The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation which has provided support in many areas towards the program at the same occasion donated six bicycles to be used by community champions in easing their mobility during inspections and sensitization.
PHIKAMALAZA CHIEFDOM BECOMES THE FIRST OPEN DEFECATION FREE AREA IN CHASEFU DISTRICT.
