Shot In the Arm for Ngozi
- Written by: Gary Howes
Bulawayo – More than 2000 Bulawayo dumpsite dwellers at Ngozi are set to benefit from the GDG-Sally Foundation’s funded toilets, the construction of toilets which is already underway.
This investment in the community has been funded to the tune of US$2000 and construction is at an advanced stage, and forms part of the Trust’s efforts to stave off a potential health time bomb at Ngozi.
ZDDT’s National Development Officer, Simon Spooner, said, “This is a very good example of cooperation between local authority, the church and ZDDT, where all parties have recognised the plight of this impoverished community. In complying with the wishes of the Council as the guardians of health of the community, funds have been raised to install the much needed sanitation with the assistance of GDG and Sally Foundation, both of Australia. Furthermore, the local community contributed their labour, and this all adds up to a wonderful example of cooperation and self-help, ideals that ZDDT promotes in its work in supporting the less fortunate in society.”
The Ngozi community also commended ZDDT for their networking with other well-wishers, resulting in the construction by the church of their school block,that doubles up as the church and meeting centre.
ZDDT’s Projects Manager Angela Mason congratulated the people of Ngozi for committing their labour as a compliment to ZDDT and its partners.
“This development is in response to the Bulawayo City Council’s regulations that the place must have a toilet where the people can relieve themselves during church services. Our networking with the community led us to source for the funding of these toilets,” said Angela Mason.
The Ngozi dwellers, took turns to praise the Trust for what they said was the empowerment of all the inhabitants. “We are very grateful for this ZDDT. You have given us the light and torch to fight the darkness of health problems in our lives,” said Mrs Viola Tshuma, an Ngozi resident.
Her sentiments were echoed by several others who have been using the bush as a toilet.
“The organisation has given us a health and smart place for bathing and relieving ourselves,” said Samson Moyo a resident and Vice Chairperson of Ngozi.
Such ZDDT activity is part of the trust’s outreach programme.