Community leaders built and donated innovative hand-washing facilities

Roger Musoka, a Congolese leader from Rutshuru town, in D.R. Congo, was looking for a way to support his community in the fight against COVID-19 when he learned about other leader’s activities and innovation in Tanzania and Nigeria.

Musoka wanted to make sure the inhabitants of Rutshuru town would follow the basic practices established by the WHO to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, out his pocket, he installed 15 hand-washing facilities at major roundabouts of the city center and bus-stops in the areas of Burayi, Kiringa, Kiwanja, Mbungungo, Nyongera, Kalengera & Marangara.

According to Musoka, an average of 510 people use wash-hand facilities daily. “People don’t miss the opportunity to wash their hands and keep safe, especially when they encounter these facilities at strategic locations”, said the leader.

Other leaders are equally swift and innovative in their front line response to the pandemic. In Nyarugusu Refugee Camp in Tanzania, Laurent Lusumba Kasuku has created handwashing systems that can be operated with one’s feet to escape contamination caused by multiple users of faucets.

The leaders who are part of the RELAY Community Network in Africa are exchanging vital information and skills. Quite commonly, the news and ideas from leaders cross borders inspire people in different parts of the continent.