RUKUNGIRI RESIDENTS DEFECATE IN BUSHES, DISEASES TO BREAK OUT ANYTIME

By Ronald Kabanza
www.mknewslink.com
In Rukungiri

Leaders from Bwambara sub- County in Rukungiri district are worried over the rate at which residents defecate in bushes due to low toilet coverage.
A good number of residents in the sub- County still use bushes and semi standard toilets to ease themselves every time Nature calls.
Poor disposal of human waste has been blamed on lack of community sensitization, poor sanitation and hygiene.
According to Emmanuel Baryomunsi, the Bwambara health center IV in- charge, diarrhea and typhoid are the most reported cases at the facility.
Baryomunsi said that more than 40 cases of diarrhea are registered monthly especially among children below five years and more than 30 typhoid cases are registered per month.
Charles Rukundo a resident of Kikarara parish in Bwambara sub- County testified that he has on several occasions treated his children for typhoid and diarrhea as a result of consuming contaminated water.
Innocent Kanyerezi, a business man in Bwambara trading center said that basing on the nature of their soils, constructing a toilet is expensive and most of the people do not use them.
According to Kanyerezi , he finds it difficult to cater for his children’s school fees and scholastic materials because he spends a lot on family medical bills.
He said that people’s negative attitude towards toilets has also become a big challenge in combating the trend.
Henry Kamugisha, the sub- county chief said that the sub- County has a population of 24,000 but only 5000 use latrines, while the rest defecate in open places.
Kamugisha added that a by-law was passed by the sub- county council to force every family in the sub- County to have a pit latrine.

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