Hygiene Village Project Director Roy Khonyongwa said they have spent over K200 million to implement Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, (WASH) activities in Chikwawa, Mulanje, Phalombe and Zomba.

“After the cyclone Freddy, several hundreds of toilets were destroyed. With financial support from UNICEF, we sensitized the people and facilitated the construction of toilets,” said Khonyongwa.

He added that for instance the whole Khisimisi village around Chipwaila under Ngabu area in Chikwawa is open defecation free as all the 144 families have toilets and hand washing facilities.

Khonyongwa further stated that efforts are also being done ensure that villagers have adequate boreholes.

On her part, Oxfam Country Director Lingalireni Mihowa said her organisation has used over K150 million to reach out to 44, 000 people in the shire valley.

“Oxfam in collaboration with UNICEF and the government of Malawi is implementing the cholera WASH rapid response project in Chikwawa and Nsanje.

“The project was designed to reduce the cholera outbreak in the two districts by increasing latrine coverage and promoting hygiene behavior through community led total sanitation,” said Mihowa.

She then stated that there is need for the government to increase domestic resources towards WASH interventions amid cyclones that have been causing havoc in the country.

UNICEF Deputy Representative responsible for programs, Gerrit Malitz said his organisation will continue engaging the government to promote water systems and sanitation infrastructure in Malawi.

He explained that he is impressed that communities are able to understand the importance of having latrines and handwashing facilities to prevent the spread of cholera.

The officials made the remarks on Tuesday when the UNICEF delegation toured some interventions implemented by Oxfam and Hygiene Village project at Khisimisi and Jombo village under Ngabu area in Chikwawa.