Challenges for Ecological Sanitation Systems in Urban Areas: The Case of Victoria Ranch Residential Area, City of Masvingo

This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the ecological sanitation toilets in Victoria Ranch high density suburb in the city of Masvingo. The research was done so as to understand the challenges faced by residents in the adoption of ecological sanitation toilet systems in urban high density areas. The specific objectives of the study were to determine respondents’ understanding of the link between sanitation, hygiene and health; investigate the characteristics of ecological sanitation toilet systems in Victoria Ranch residential area; identify the challenges of adopting ecological sanitation toilet systems in Victoria Ranch; and examine the appropriateness of ecological sanitation toilet systems in Victoria Ranch residential area. Sixty of the five hundred residents of Victoria Ranch were sampled as questionnaire respondents. Five of the sixty respondents were further sampled for follow-up interviews. Case study and descriptive survey were used as the main research methods. The study established that residents of Victoria Ranch were aware that poor sanitation and poor hygiene lead to poor health and diseases. Nonetheless, this was not put into practice. There were faeces and urine smell in open spaces and the surrounding bushes. The toilets were dirty and there was no water and soap in the toilet to wash hands after use. Culture was found to be a major hurdle in the adoption of ecological sanitation toilets in the Victoria Ranch residential area. At household level, investment costs of an ecological sanitation toilet were found to be higher than those of a flush toilet room. The study recommends intensive awareness campaigns and advocacy to remove negative attitudes towards ecological sanitation toilets; training in ecological sanitation toilets operation; regular reviews and check-ups by authorities; and further studies in other big cities like Harare. Keywords: ecological sanitation, toilets, challenges, Victoria Ranch, Masvingo, hygiene, health, residents

Road Traffic Accidents in the Department of Irrigation: Empirical Evidence from The Midlands Regional Office, Zimbabwe

This study sought to examine the causes and impact of road traffic accidents in the Department of Irrigation Midlands Region. A sample of 25 out of 39 civil servants from the Department of Irrigation Midlands Region Gweru and its field centres were used as the research subjects. The methodology used was descriptive survey. Questionnaires and documentary evidence were used as research instruments. Of the 25 participants 20 responded to the study. Literature on both general accidents and road traffic accidents at local and international level was studied. The study (both secondary and primary findings) showed that accidents are mainly a result of human error and therefore can be prevented. This study recommends, among other things, continuous training of drivers in the Department, top management commitment to accidents prevention, avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol and grounding all unroadworthy vehicles. Key words: traffic, accident, midlands, irrigation, Gweru, Zimbabw

A Global Overview of Potable Water Resources Availability and Accessibility In Southern Africa

This paper argues that there is sufficient freshwater in the world for everyone’s essential personal and domestic needs. However, lack of distribution networks and working systems to extract groundwater or harvest rainwater; exclusion from these services or facilities; inequitable allocation of water resources; and pollution, limit people’s access to sufficient clean water. In rural areas, many people collect water of dubious quality from unprotected wells, often a great distance from their homes, deterring them from collecting sufficient water. Toilets are often seen as unnecessary or unaffordable. In urban areas, low-income groups often lack access to adequate water supply and sanitation. Piped water supplies and sewers seldom cover informal areas. Water stress and scarcity are symptoms of sub-standard governance of public and natural resources. Lack of basic services is often because of mismanagement, corrupt and apathetic officials and financial limitations. Water shortages and increasing pollution are socially and politically induced challenges. The water crisis is increasingly about how we, as individuals, and as part of a collective society, govern the access to and control over water resources. Key words: potable water, availability, accessibility, governance, corruption, mismanagemen

Munhu: Unlocking the Roots, Indigenous Knowledge for Development

This paper is based on both written academic literature and Shona oral traditions. The paper looks at the conceptual framework, practice, and understanding of the muntu / munhu philosophy. The lateral translation of muntu / munhu is person. Conceptually the word goes deeper than this individualistic western worldview. Munhu is complex, multifaceted and generally understood at two levels; the lower and higher level. At lower level munhu means the physical body of a human being. At higher level munhu becomes the physical body and a lot of other extras. This paper argues that the concept of munhu (humanity) is the foundation of life and the only key to stability and progress / development among Africans. Destroying the human body or even showing disrespect to that body is a punishable offence. Thus whether munhu is understood at lower (physical) or higher (spiritual plus) level, munhu is sacred and has to be treated with respect for progress, wellbeing and development of the humankind. If respected, munhu will contribute towards both personal and communal development. In fact, in Africa the personal is communal

The Legal Framework in the Governance of Potable Water Supply In Zimbabwe: A Global, Regional And National Overview of The Iwrm Paradigm

This paper looks at the adoption of the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) paradigm in southern Africa with special focus on Zimbabwe. The paper is based on national legislation and policy documents, international and regional conventions and protocols, and other available legal documents on managing water resources. The methodology used was largely qualitative research based on documentary analysis and personal observation. Since the late 1990s, all countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region have been busy reforming their water legislation and policies in line with the demands of the IWRM paradigm. Nevertheless, while the framework for a perfect IWRM system exists now in Zimbabwe, the situation on the ground does not reflect this ideal situation. The reform process has not taken off as expected owing to a combination of factors ranging from conflicting policies and weak institutional linkages, to insufficient funding. Thus the effectiveness of the new system has been found wanting in as far as implementation is concerned. Key words: potable water, governance, legal frameworks, legislation, IWRM, Zimbabw

The Role of Public Libraries in Promoting Literacy in Zimbabwe

In this paper we argue that literacy is critical for socio-economic development. A literate nation makes positive contributions to the general development of a country. Zimbabwe now has the highest literacy rate in Africa at 92% having surpassed Tunisia which is at 87%. In this paper we seek to establish the strategies that public libraries have employed to promote and sustain high literacy rates in the country. We investigate the innovative strategies like story telling sessions and explain how they have helped Zimbabwe achieve Africa’s highest literacy level despite the socio-economic challenges. We also probe the public library services that are available for children, youth and adults and how they contribute towards higher literacy rates. We explore the challenges that public libraries face in Zimbabwe. We seek to establish the strategies in place to promote literacy in an information technology driven society. We end the discussion by making recommendations on how public libraries can contribute toward sustainable higher literacy rates. Keywords: literacy; illiteracy; development; public libraries; education; information technology; cultur

Human Rights, Dignity and Well Being: The Plight Of Zimbabwean Refugees And Displaced People In Southern Africa

In this paper we looked at the various reasons why refugees, economic migrants and IDPs leave their countries / home areas, how the foreign migrants manage to cross borders into other countries and the lives they are experiencing in foreign countries. More importantly, the focus of this paper has been their treatment by the nationals of the host countries as well as other foreigners. We argue that there has not been enough humanitarian attention given to the people displaced by their home country economic downturn and political mayhem by South African authorities because South African legislation regards them as economic migrants who do not qualify for a refugee status. It is only recently that Zimbabweans got a sympathetic ear from the South African authorities as the process of leagalising their stay in South Africa is now less cumbersome. Our conclusion is that the international community, Southern Africa, and South Africa in particular have not treated refugees and economically displaced people especially those from Zimbabwe with a human face.   Keywords: Human rights; refugees; IDPs; migration; Zimbabwe; plight; southern Africa; foreigner

Sex Slaves: The Plight Of Women In Civil Strife Zimbabwe

This study was prompted by media reports that talk of rampant sexual abuse in youth camps during elections preparations in Zimbabwe, especially since the ‘famous constitutional no vote’ which triggered the controversial fast track land reform programme driving the country into chaos. The researchers thus embarked on a qualitative research based on documentary analysis and unstructured interviews with female cross border traders plying the Harare-Johannesburg road. The study established that because of the civil strife and the economic meltdown women are exposed to risk of sexual violence, forced marriages, coerced sex, and loss of homes, families and social support. These developments force women into transactional sex in order to secure their lives and those of their husbands and children, or to gain access to shelter or services. In transit to South Africa, they are exposed to differing levels of HIV infection. Throughout the journey from home women are harassed, gang-raped by male counterparts, abused by truck drivers and forced into sexual relationships with the South African police. This situation makes the probability of women getting HIV/AIDS very high. Most of them are already ill and have the burden of looking after children they get unwillingly. Keywords: Sex slaves, civil strife, women, gender, sexual violence, rape, HIV/AIDS

Sex, Intimacy and Reproductive Rights for Women with Disabilities in Zimbabwe: A Snapshot of the Views of Women with Disabilities in Harare

This paper is derived from study on sexual and reproductive rights of women with disabilities in Zimbabwe. The paper explores the sexual and reproductive rights (SRR) and practices vis a vis women with disabilities in Zimbabwe. This is done with the view of drawing insights and policy recommendations on sexual and reproductive rights for women with disabilities in Zimbabwe. The study argues that there are serious gaps in SRR policies and their implementation for WWDs. While the availability of acceptable and supportive public policy and legislation indicates the beginning of a commendable process of services delivery to all stakeholders, this alone is not sufficient unless supported by effective systems and processes for effective delivery. Formulation and adoption of a policy or piece of legislation does not automatically translate to its implementation and/or enforcement. The study recommends change of mind-set for both the cultural environment and law with regards what is acceptable and legal sex; domestication and enforcement of international and regional disability laws; redesign of national laws to clearly address SRRs for WWDs; communication and advocacy of disability laws to the people. follow-ups and performance evaluation of families and communities on how they treat WWDs vis a vis their SRR; and involvement of WWDs in policy formulation. Keywords: Sex, women, disability, rights, reproductive, disability. DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/51-03 Publication date:September 30th 201

The Psychology of Wellness and Orphanage: Interrogatting Wellness Perspectives, Models and Dimensions in Community Relations

This paper reviews literature on perspectives, models and dimensions of wellness in the human community. The paper is guided by the notion that individual wellness translates into family wellness which further translates into community wellness. The intention of the paper is to provide an overview of research on human wellness and the involvement of extended families on the wellness of children, with special focus on orphans. The literature reviewed would help build knowledge on the critical issues pertaining to the involvement of extended families to promote orphan wellness. The link between extended families and their involvement to promote orphan wellness thereof forms the unit of analysis of this paper. In presenting the discussion, the researcher adopts the view that every household has strengths and that these strengths are unique and depend on the individual’s beliefs and background. Each family adopts different methods for satisfaction and promotion of same/similar fundamental wellness needs. Keywords: Wellness, orphanage, psychology, extended families, community, perspectives, models, theories.