By Lerato Ndlovu
Government is set to implement the Eaziflush Sanitation Technology to get rid of open pit latrines nationwide.
This will ensure availability and sustainability of management of water and sanitation systems in communities.
Speaking at a press cabinet briefing, Tuesday, Information minister, Monica Mutsvangwa said sanitation technology was aimed at the peri-urban and rural communities.
“Government wishes to get rid of open pit latrines, implement alternative innovations suitable for transforming rural communities with respect to the provision of clean water and improved sanitation.
“Government is taking a deliberate position to provide modern, sustainable, and affordable infrastructure in both urban and rural communities. It is highlighted that Vision 2030 speaks to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number 6 which seeks to “Ensure availability and Sustainability of the Management of Water and Sanitation for all,” she said.
The Eaziflush Sanitation Technology is an innovation that seeks to upgrade the challenges occasioned by the need to improve hygiene practices on open defecation in these peri-urban and rural communities.
“The Cabinet is pleased to inform the nation that some innovation has been developed, the project will be implemented in phases beginning with rural schools and clinics which may be funded through the Schools Development Associations, the Constituency Development Fund, Devolution Funds or donor participation.
“It also acknowledges that the adoption and implementation of the Eaziflush Sanitation Technology will go a long way in reducing the transmission of water-borne diseases such as typhoid, diarrhoea, dysentery, and cholera, which result from lack of adequate sanitation facilities.”
She alluded that presently the programme is already installed and being piloted at Glenwood Primary School in Epworth and has proved to be effective and user-friendly in terms of applicability and cost effectiveness.
The concept will later be introduced to homesteads.
The technology uses two (2) litres of water per flush, compared to the seven (7) to nine (9) litres used by the conventional system and will reduce construction costs for new ablution facilities by up to eighty (80) percent.
