A shortage of toilets has hit Katoto Primary School in Mzuzu forcing learners to fight and teachers to come up with a schedule for their usage.
Initially, the school was operating with only six toilets against 2 503 learners, but thanks to Luke International who have built two additional toilets and one urinal to ease the problem.
During the handover of the facilities, school head teacher Annie Simwaka said the situation is inconveniencing learners and putting their lives at risk. Two learners were recently diagnosed with bilharzia as a result of poor sanitary conditions.
“Previously, learners were fighting for toilets forcing others to relieve themselves in the [nearby]bush. We are grateful to Luke International for the gift. Although, Luke International has built two toilets and a urinal, the challenge is still there. We have even come up with a schedule for the toilets’ usage,” she said.
Simwaka appealed to organisations for more toilets, saying eight toilets cannot match the learners’ population.
Luke International project officer Diana Kapereka Mwase said it is their wish to improve sanitation in all primary schools in Mzuzu and Nkhata Bay.
Mzuzu education manager Amon Chavula said many schools in the city do not have enough toilets for learners.
He, therefore, appealed to the public to emulate the gesture demonstrated by Luke International.
