Zimbabwe: Rebuilding dignity in Maglas—how councillor Itai Pasira transformed sanitation in a mining community

In Maglas, Ward 8 of Zvishavane, Councillor Itai Pasira is widely recognised as a grounded and attentive leader who listens deeply, connects easily with the community, and acts decisively. Born and raised in the area, she understands the daily realities of the mining community she serves. Her leadership became most evident when she confronted a sanitation crisis that had slowly eroded public health, dignity, and safety. 

Pasira recalls the moment the scale of the problem became impossible to ignore. “When I inspected the area, all 57 toilets were non-functional,” she explained. “I knew something had to be done immediately.” For years, residents had relied on bush toilets and open defecation because the few existing public toilets were clogged, collapsing, or unsafe to use. The situation exposed the community to diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, environmental contamination, snake bites, and the constant fear experienced particularly by women and girls seeking privacy. The deterioration of sanitation infrastructure had become a silent emergency. 

When the rehabilitation initiative finally began, community members expressed relief and approval. A local civil society observer said the council had acknowledged it, while residents repeatedly applauded it and grateful that safety, hygiene, and dignity were being restored. 

The turning point came when Pasira, working through the Zvishavane Town Council under the Centre of Excellence gender-responsive governance framework, recommended the full renovation of all damaged facilities and the construction of new toilets, improved sewer lines, and drainage systems. Her advocacy led to the transformation of the sanitation landscape in Maglas. 

With the new infrastructure now in place, Pasira has witnessed a notable decline in waterborne diseases and an improvement in overall well-being. Cleaner surroundings and safer access to hygienic toilets have contributed to renewed pride and reduced anxiety, especially for women and girls. “We have a positive situation now,” she says, hopeful about the future. “With these new toilets, the community can expect a significant reduction in waterborne diseases.” 

The impact extends beyond health. Improved sanitation has enhanced environmental cleanliness, reduced healthcare costs, and strengthened the community’s sense of ownership. Residents are now voluntarily cleaning the toilets and maintaining the facilities evidence of sustained behavioural change. Before-and-after photos, along with videos of newly installed taps and toilets, further confirm the scale of the transformation. 

Pasira is determined that this progress will endure. She speaks passionately about long-term plans involving continuous monitoring and evaluation, stronger governance structures, partnerships with government and NGOs, solar-powered innovations, financial sustainability planning, and community-based sanitation models. Her vision is to create a resilient system that continues to serve the community long after any single project ends. 

As water flows from a newly built tap she officially opened, and as residents confidently use facilities that once caused fear, Pasira’s influence is unmistakable. The young and old alike move through cleaner, safer spaces because a leader refused to accept dangerous conditions as normal. 

Her journey from identifying a crisis to inspiring collective action has reshaped the health and dignity of Maglas. The physical structures may be new, but the deeper transformation is human: safety restored, pride rekindled, and dignity returned. 

 By:  Itai Pasira