How Improved Toilet with SATO Pan Transformed the Life of the Mpiko Family in Chiuta Village

For years, Hasani Musa Mpiko (41) and his wife Shakira Athumani (38), residents of Chiuta Village in Mandwanga Ward, Mtama District Council relied on unimproved toilet. It was unsafe, unhygienic and emitted a foul smell. Frequent stomach-related illnesses disrupted the education of their five children, four in primary school and one in secondary school. The situation drained the family’s limited income, money that could have supported farming or household needs.

Hasani Musa Mpiko and his wife Shakira in front of their improved toilet.

The Mpiko family earn a living as small scale farmers, cultivating cashew and cassava on their modest land. In 2024, after attending sanitation and hygiene education sessions conducted by DMDO, Hasani and Shakira learned the importance of having an improved toilet. Motivated by the training they built a modern SATO toilet using locally available materials. The total cost was about TSh 270,000, a modest investment that brought lasting change.

Health Officer educating Chiuta residents on the benefits of SATO toilets

“Many people thought that improved toilets are only for a certain class of people” says Hasani. “But with DMDO’s guidance, we realized it was possible for us too. Now our family enjoys comfort, privacy and good health.”

Their progress was further boosted by access to clean water just 30 meters away at a Public Water Distribution point. This made it easier to keep the toilet clean and practice regular handwashing. Hasani now plans to install a private water connection directly to his home with the goal of piping water to both the toilet and bathroom, making daily hygiene even more convenient.

“Having water nearby helps us keep our toilet clean every day,” says Shakira. “Our children have learned to wash their hands regularly, and we no longer worry about diseases like before.”

SATO Pan toilet ensures hygiene, comfort and safety for Mpiko family.

Since building the SATO toilet, the family’s health has improved significantly, no more flies and cockroaches from the toilet hence preventing the spread of diseases, no more bad smells as the SATO pan open and close it self after use and also the family now enjoying easy cleaning with minimal water. The children attend school consistently; medical costs have dropped and now the family have enough time to focus with other productive activities with very strong health.

“Our home feels more respected now,” Shakira adding. “We’re proud to be an example for others in Chiuta Village.”

The Mpiko family’s journey shows how clean water and improved sanitation go hand in hand to unlock better health, education and economic opportunity. As DMDO is fighting in removing barriers to prosperity and end poverty in rural communities by providing them with access to clean and safe water and empowering them through sanitation and hygiene education as well as financial resilience (Savings groups).

When families build improved toilets and gain access to clean and safe water, they reclaim time, dignity and hope, creating a ripple effect of progress across entire communities.