Maase Chief highlights sanitation gains but calls for more government investment

The chief of Maase in the Dolimo Traditional Area says government must increase investment in rural sanitation despite progress made in his community to reduce open defecation.

Speaking to Info Radio, Naa Dr Saaka Mwinimaana II said open defecation remains a major health threat and warned that many communities in the traditional area cannot yet be described as open-defecation free.

"I have my doubts that that is the case," he said, referring to signs erected in some communities declaring them open-defecation free.

"I know that most communities in the Dolimo Traditional Area are not open defecation free."

The chief said Maase, together with Pase benefited from a USAID-supported sanitation project about five or six years ago, which supplied materials for the construction of 30 household outhouses.

He said the project only moved forward after he organised the distribution of cement, roofing sheets and iron rods to beneficiary families.

"The materials lay there until I got involved," he said.

Each household, he explained, was responsible for constructing its own facility using the materials provided.

Although some of the toilets have deteriorated because of poor maintenance, he said most remain in use in Maase.

He also highlighted other sanitation initiatives undertaken through the Mwinimaana Foundation, which focuses on education, health, water and sanitation.

According to the chief, the foundation has provided a borehole for the community's CHPS compound and extended the water supply to nearby teachers' accommodation.

He said the same water source is expected to serve a maternity ward currently under construction.

"As far as Maase is concerned, there has been some progress," he said.

Nevertheless, he stressed that lasting improvements require stronger collaboration between district assemblies, regional authorities and the central government.

He said investments should prioritise household sanitation facilities and reliable water supply to improve hygiene and public health.

Naa Dr Mwinimaana also called on traditional leaders to encourage behavioural change by promoting sanitation awareness while working with government agencies, charities and development partners to attract support for rural communities.