Ablution rehabilitation major boost for female traders

MARGARET CHISANGA
Lusaka
LUSAKA Central Constituency Member of Parliament, Mulambo Haimbe has highlighted the health and economic costs of poor sanitation on women, calling on stakeholders to collaborate to create sustainable solutions.
Mr Haimbe reiterated the importance of clean sanitation for all, saying a lack of it creates environments conducive for increased prevalence of waterborne diseases such as cholera.
“Access to clean and safe sanitation facilities is a fundamental human right, and it is a matter of deep concern that many of our fellow citizens still struggle to find adequate toilets and wash facilities,” he said.
Mr Haimbe was speaking in Lusaka when Micmar, a renowned hardware company, unveiled a refurbished ablution block at Lusaka’s Woodlands Market to improve access to hygiene conditions.
The market is located at an intersection of Chilenje and Kabulonga wards, which have a population of over 100,000 people. The two wards have a combined female population of close to 60,000 females, according to the Central Statistical Office.
The market serves as a centre for access to vegetables, fruits and other necessary household accessories, with many of the traders being women.
According to a World Bank report themed ‘Women and Trade in Africa: Realising the Potential’, women feature significantly in trade, but often face specific constraints that undermine their economic activities.
“The renovation of the Woodlands Market ablution block by Micmar serves as a shining example of how publicprivate partnerships can usher in positive change,” Mr Haimbe said.
The works include the replacement of manhole covers, installation of a water tank, addition of a booster pump to ensure adequate water pressure and replacement of fittings, modern toilets, urinals, and showers.
Micmar’s marketing communications manager, Mufuka Samukonga said the fittings for the project were sourced from Micmar’s own stores, underscoring the company’s commitment to using their resources to benefit the community.
“At Micmar, we believe that improving the lives of people in the communities we serve is not just a responsibility but a privilege. We are proud to have been a part of this transformative project, and we look forward to continuing our commitment to the betterment of the community,” she said.
“Our commitment to quality and community development has always been at the core of our mission. With a cost of K150,000,
Micmar replaced manhole covers, introduced a water tank, added a booster pump, and modernized the fittings,” she said..