Teach K’jongs On Latrine usage - RDC

By Joseph OrisaCommunity development workers in Moroto have been told to sensitise the Karimojong to change their negative cultural attitude towards the use of latrines.Moses Chuna Ekapolon, the Moroto assistant chief administrative officer, was addressing a workshop organised by UNICEF to train extension workers on using the new handbook for rural water and sanitation at the district headquarters, last week.He said cultural beliefs among some Karimojong prohibited in-laws from using toilets and prevent pregnant mothers from using latrines for fear that the child in the womb may drop inside as the mother eases herself. He said such beliefs were false and had made sanitation and latrine coverage low in Karamoja. “I challenge you to go out to encourage our people to dig latrines and sensitise them on the dangers of exposing human waste,” Ekapolon said. He urged them to involve the Karimojong in sanitation activities. He said UNICEF had improved latrine coverage in the area. Ends