Marigat facing huge challenge in latrine coverage

By Henry Nyamweya 

Marigat sub county residents remain challenged on solid and liquid waste disposal. This was revealed on 5^th December 2013 during a World Vision Workshop held at Sun City hotel in Marigat town.  The workshop brought together over fifty five (55) stakeholders to review the findings and impact of world vision as it phases off in three years’ time.

Latrine coverage and usage of sanitary facilities in Marigat is 32.8% households which is far below the required standard of 40% and above. This shows that wastes generated from homesteads, schools, hotels, public utilities like market places and car washing points are poorly managed.

Picture of a flooded latrine in Marigat

Most of the latrines constructed in Marigat have filled up or collapsed due to floods or poor soil conditions.

The most affected areas are Mukutani and Marigat divisions. Women and Children are normally seen washing clothes in the river while others are drawing drinking water downstream.

"We need to be role models in construction of latrines. Business premises, residential houses, among others starting from the elites to all business members should have these facilities. Now that the community has been capacity built, we should practice what we have been taught,” said Pr. Tamar.

As a matter of general concern, adverse effects on the environment more especially air and water sources may be affected. The ecosystem may also be affected due to massive pollution caused by service run-off in form of flooding concentration levels.

"We shall never be tired to advocate and capacity build the local community on the importance of these facilities. This can be done on public barazas and forums,” said the Public Health Officer.

Mr. Silvanus of World Vision told the participants that the United Nations (UN) is willing to fund drilling of shallow wells and latrine construction in Baringo central. It will also purchase 100 Kentank of 2300 litres each to Marigat sub - County.

“At Mukutani women wash clothes in rivers. You will find people bathing and even urinating there. Others bring their livestocks to drink water there and at the same time families fetch water for home use. This poses a health risk to everyone using the water,” said Nasuru, one of the participants.

The initiative taken by UN is believed to be a temporary measure on sanitation but eventual solution is urgently required. Non-Governmental Organizations like ECO-SAN, ACTED, World Vision, Walter Reed Project, among others have great chances of exploring this opportunity.