Condoms, pads, diapers, clothes and stones are the leading cause of blockages of sewer systems in Central Province. And Lukanga Water and Sanitation Company public relations officer Louis Mwape has advised people in the province against abusing toilets. “In the recent past, our systems have been choked. We experienced unnecessary sewer blockages and overflow because of foreign solid objects such as diapers, pads, condoms, clothes, stones, and so many other materials which block the free flow of sewer,” Mr Mwape said.

He said this in a statement yesterday on the occasion of this year’s World Toilet Day commemorated under a global theme, ‘Leaving no-one behind’, and on a local theme, ‘Toilet for all’. Mr Mwape further advised people in the region against dumping things in the sewer system. He said people should safeguard sewerage facilities and avoid throwing litter in the system because this results in sewer overflows and blockages.

“The rainy season is upon us and we want to avoid unnecessary sewer overflows as much as possible. People can equally help us by being responsible users of our facilities,” Mr Mwape said. And Mr Mwape says toilets are an important aspect of human life that should be valued. “Without proper toilets and infrastructure, human waste may end up in wrong places such as rivers, streams, dams and other essential water bodies. The repercussions of such situations are catastrophic,” he said. Mr Mwape said decent toilets are needed for people because the facilities are vital to healthy communities and improved sanitation.

He said toilets should, therefore, be easily accessible and properly used. “Lukanga Water and Sanitation Company has observed that a toilet can merely be a toilet if there is no proper usage because some people abuse toilets by using them as rubbish pits,” Mr Mwape said. He said as Zambia joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Toilet Day, Lukanga Water and Sewerage Company has intensified its awareness on the importance of toilets. Mr Mwape said the company will continue improving provision of sanitation services as a way of promoting good health among people in Central Province