Author: ANNE ROBI
AfricaPress-Tanzania: THE construction of modern school latrines in Mtwara Rural has been completed by 95 percent, according to District Executive Director Erica Yegella.
Speaking after visiting four out of the seven primary schools, Ms Yegella said the modern latrines would improve sanitation and would make schoolchildren and teachers study and teach respectively in a healthy environment.
The strategic plan aims at enhancing the provision of adequate clean and safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities and improving academic performance and the overall health of both schoolchildren and teachers.
“I am glad that the construction of these latrines will soon be finished and improve school sanitation. A lot has been done except a few finishing issues that will be completed soon,” she said.
The DED said through the support of the World Bank (WB), the government had provided 175.5m/- to construct seven modern latrines for Mtwara Rural schools – Kitere, Mkonye, Mnete, Msanga Mkuu, Nakada, Miuta and Libobe.
She said the construction of the latrines was undertaken by the Ministry of State in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) in collaboration with parents and villagers.
She thanked the parents and villagers for contributing to the implementation of the school project, urging them to continue taking part in the construction of school classrooms and other facilities.
On the other hand, the DED said plans were underway to ensure water was available in schools.
She said some of the schools lacked clean and safe water and promised to ensure Mtwara Urban Water and Sewerage Authority (Muwsa) constructed water facilities.
She also hinted on lack of teachers and urged the government to employ teachers in Mtwara Rural to help improve the quality of education.
Ms Yegella said her office had already requested for the employment of teachers in Mtwara Rural District.
