Leading by Example: The Role of Community Leaders in Advancing Sanitation
Wednesday, 29 January, 2025
Mwaeji Bujilima, chairperson of the Mwabashola sub- village – Misungwi in Mwanza region recalls “Having lived here all my life, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges of poor sanitation. In the past, our community struggled with inadequate toilet facilities, which often left our visitors and ourselves in uncomfortable situations.
I vividly remember a moment when a car broke down near my home, and a woman asked me where she could find a restroom. When I showed her our toilet, she said, “I can’t go in there,” highlighting the dire state of our facilities. This experience made me realize how urgent it was for us to improve our living conditions.”
The turning point came when Amref representatives visited our village to raise awareness about better sanitation practices. They emphasized that as leaders, we should set an example for the community by building better toilets ourselves. Inspired by their message, we held community meetings to discuss and plan the construction of improved sanitation facilities.
With a commitment to lead by example, I began the process by finding someone to dig a pit for a new toilet. When I discussed this with my family, they were concerned about the cost, but we decided to pool our resources and start farming to raise the necessary funds. The construction process was gradual due to our financial constraints, but we persevered. I personally oversaw the work, placing stones and ensuring that the pit was properly covered. The mason was dedicated, working at a steady pace and advising me to pause for more funds whenever needed. It took us two years to complete the project, but our persistence paid off.
The new toilet was well-received by the community, and many others have started building similar facilities, though progress is slow due to various life challenges. The introduction of proper toilets and bathrooms has significantly improved our quality of life. We can now bathe peacefully and safely, and our daughters can manage their menstrual periods with dignity.
For those households still in the process of construction, I encourage the project to visit them and offer support to keep their efforts going. Additionally, it would be beneficial if future assistance for toilet construction focused on providing building materials rather than loans, as some have struggled with the use of loan money for the intended purpose. Interestingly, many of the households that have successfully built proper toilets are led by women. Our women’s groups play a crucial role in encouraging and supporting one another, leading to a noticeable decrease in disease prevalence.
The FINISH Mondial project has been instrumental in transforming our sanitation practices but also promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). Through collective efforts from the government and community support, we’ve made significant strides in improving our living conditions and public health.
Amref Health Africa teams up with African communities to create lasting health change.