By Wantula Nyondo.
The fight against open defecation in Isoka District has intensified, with 12 people from Katenshya Ward apprehended for allegedly failing to construct toilets.
The arrests were made during routine inspections when the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) and the DWASH, which aims to ensure that households practice proper hygiene and meet sanitation standards.
According to DWASH, households are required to have toilets that provide privacy, have a lid covering the hole, a smooth and cleanable floor, and a hand-washing facility with soap nearby.
These measures are necessary to prevent open defecation and achieve an Open Defecation Free (ODF) status for the district.
Katenshya Ward currently stands at 97 percent sanitation coverage, with 1,674 households across 20 villages.
The apprehended individuals had failed to comply despite repeated warnings.
The DWASH has reminded the public that failure to provide adequate sanitation facilities contravenes Section 67 of the Public Health Act Cap 295 and Statutory Instrument No. 12 of 2018.
Community members have since been encouraged to ensure every household has a proper toilet facility, warning that non-compliance will result in legal action.
The Task force consists of law enforcers, traditional leaders, the church among others.
Source : ISO FM