Mangochi, Malawi – Deputy Minister for Water and Sanitation, John Bande, has called for immediate action to address the unhygienic conditions at St. Augustin 3 Primary School in Mangochi.

After visiting the school, Bande discovered that the school had a poor waste disposal problem that was contaminating the water source, creating a serious health hazard for the students.

Bande emphasized that poor waste disposal can lead to a cholera outbreak in the country and stated that, “We cannot have learners here, in the wake of the cholera epidemic, this has to change forthwith.”

In response to the situation, Bande directed the Mangochi Municipal Council to remove the waste from the school and find another place to dump it.

In addition, Bande has also directed the Southern Region Water Board to provide safe and potable water at the school to prevent the outbreak.

The Mangochi Municipal Mayor, Imam Chisuse, and the Director of Education, Youth and Sports, Rabson Kawalala, have both promised to take action as directed by the Deputy Minister.