Mwase has attributed this to ignorance and lack of resources for the people to construct sustainable toilets.

He said this on Thursday in Chiradzulu during commemoration of this year’s toilet day organized by Water for People.

“This is leading to the spread of diseases such as diarrhea and cholera. This is impeding more in terms of development for the council because instead of concentrating more on development, we are doing more on spreading preventive messages.

“We are working hand in hand with organizations such as Water for People in raising awareness in the district to ensure that in five years’ time, everyone uses sustainable toilets,” he said.

Water for People Country Director, Ulemu Chiluzi, said they are concerned to see people failing to access water and sanitation facilities.

“This COVID-19 pandemic has really showed us that we have to be prepared all the time. There are things that we can control by just changing our behavior. This is what we want to achieve as Water for People in terms of hand washing and proper use of toilet.

“What we can do is to mobilize resources to provide some sanitary facilities and safe water supplies to the people we work with in Chiradzulu district. We want to see that no one is left behind by 2030 in access to water and sanitation services,” he said.

Chiradzulu District Commissioner, Reingard Chavula, called on the people in the district to embrace hygiene this rainy season to avoid water borne illnesses.