Phillip Village Celebrates Open Defecation-Free Milestone

Gweru— Phillip Village in Ward 2, Dufuya Sogwala, Lower Gweru, has been officially declared an Open Defecation Free (ODF) zone, marking a major milestone in sanitation, hygiene and public health after all 47 households in the village embraced improved sanitation practices and constructed toilets.

The ODF programme, implemented by Multi-Aid Support Organisation (MASO) in partnership with Africa AHEAD, saw the establishment of 10 Community Health Clubs in the area. With funding from the OAK Foundation and in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the initiative mobilised households across the village to improve sanitation and construct and use toilets.

The achievement was celebrated during a community ceremony attended by traditional leaders, Government officials, health workers, development partners, community health club members and residents under the theme: “Phillip Village, Our Pride, Open Defecation Free Zone!”

Speaking at the celebration, Guest of Honour Victor Nyamandi, Director of Environmental Health Services in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, congratulated residents for taking ownership of sanitation and hygiene improvement in their community.

Nyamandi said the achievement went beyond the construction and use of toilets, describing it as a demonstration of community leadership, collective responsibility, dignity and behavioural change.

“This success belongs to you. You have demonstrated that when communities come together around a common goal, positive and lasting change is possible,” he said.

He noted that open defecation poses serious health and environmental risks through the contamination of water sources and the spread of preventable diseases. Improved sanitation, he added, also enhances the dignity, safety and well-being of women, children and people living with disabilities.

The ODF declaration therefore represents an important step towards creating a healthier and safer environment for the 47 households of Phillip Village.

Nyamandi commended community leaders, Village Health Workers, Environmental Health Technicians, Community Health Clubs, traditional leaders and households for their contribution to the achievement.

He also recognised the role played by MASO, Africa AHEAD and other development partners in supporting sanitation and hygiene initiatives in Ward 2 and other communities across Gweru District.

The programme has focused on community mobilisation, health education, household sanitation improvement, handwashing promotion and the strengthening of Community Health Clubs.

The establishment of the 10 Community Health Clubs provided an important platform for residents to learn, share knowledge and take collective action on sanitation, hygiene and environmental health.

Nyamandi said the achievement demonstrated the importance of partnerships between Government, development organisations, traditional leaders, local authorities, health workers and communities.

However, he cautioned residents that achieving ODF status should not be regarded as the end of the sanitation journey.

He urged the community to maintain functional, clean and safe toilets, practise regular handwashing with soap or other appropriate cleansing agents, safely manage household waste and protect local water sources.

He further called on residents to ensure that no household returns to open defecation.

“When a toilet becomes damaged, it should be repaired. When a household faces challenges in maintaining sanitation facilities, the community should support that household,” he said.

The official also highlighted the importance of protecting children from sanitation-related diseases, urging parents, guardians, teachers and community leaders to teach children good hygiene practices from an early age.

For Phillip Village, the ODF declaration is both a celebration of progress and a commitment to maintaining the gains made.

Residents have been challenged to take full ownership of their achievement and ensure that sanitation and hygiene become a permanent part of everyday life.

The success of Phillip Village provides an encouraging example of what communities can achieve when residents, local leadership, health workers, Government and development partners work together towards a shared public health goal.

The achievement also demonstrates how community-led approaches, supported by strategic partnerships and investment in health education, can translate sanitation messages into practical action at household level.

Phillip Village has earned its ODF status. The next chapter is to protect it, sustain it and inspire other communities to follow.