From hesitation to Action
Mr James Maroora (48), of Rife Village, Ward 17, Bhasera, Gutu District, found himself at the forefront of change quite by default. Mr Maroora was engaged by Tsungai project to establish a demonstration plot at his homestead as farmers in his village participating in the Tsungai Project, did not have land to spare for a demonstration plot, interestingly what he discovered went far beyond the agriculture demonstration that he had volunteered to do.
Seeing the voluntary responsibility he had on his shoulders; he became increasingly aware of the critical need for proper sanitation facilities. He found himself asking important questions: “What if I host visitors? What will they use?” The thought of relying on makeshift solutions or nearby bushes for guests felt inadequate and unwelcoming. After living in the area since 2015, he realized that the time had come to make a change not just for himself, but for his
family of four and the community at large.
Awakening his urgency were the triggering sessions they had with Tsungai Project, (Tsungai Project is providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to meet emergency food security and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) needs in 10 selected wards of Gutu District.) which surely reminded him that he had to upgrade his sanitation facilities at his homestead. However, the journey to build a proper toilet was not without its challenges. The costs associated with construction, which he had so far parted with costed in USD as Labour: $60, Cement: 5 bags at $10 each ($50 total) Bricks: $100, Pit: $35 and more items were still to be costed) made him hesitate, but he was committed to make a change.
Triggering sessions highlighted the importance of toilets at the household level. They explained how proper sanitation not only improves health but also enhances dignity and comfort which motivated him to embark the project of building a latrine.
Similarly, is the story of Ms Fugamirai Mukutirwa, a 55-year-old resident of Ngome Village, who had her latrine destroyed by a storm which occurred on October the 15th 2024.With her own toilet destroyed, she found herself relying on her neighbours’ facilities while she contemplated rebuilding. It was a temporary solution, but it was far from ideal.
The lessons from a triggering session she attended resonated with her deeply. They highlighted the importance of having proper sanitation at home, and she realized just how critical it was for her family’s health. The sessions had ignited a renewed urgency in her to address the issue, but her finances are limiting her.
“I want to rebuild as soon as possible,” she said, “but my savings aren’t growing fast enough.” Despite the pressing need, the availability of her neighbours’ toilet had eased her urgency. It is a convenient alternative, but she knows it is not a sustainable solution.
The triggering sessions reminded Mr Maroodza and Fugamirai that proper sanitation is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a cornerstone of health and well-being. For Fugamirai each passing day makes her feel the weight of her decision to delay rebuilding. She is exploring ways to gather the necessary funds to have
her own latrine again.
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