Collingham Farm residents were thrilled when Makana Municipality handed over keys to their newly-built 'waterless' toilets on Thursday 11 November.
Collingham Farm residents were thrilled when Makana Municipality handed over keys to their newly-built 'waterless' toilets on Thursday 11 November.
The farm is situated about 8km from Joza on the road to King William's Town. The official hand-over ceremony was attended by Makana Mayor, Vumile Lwana, together with councillors, including Ward 4 Councillor Melikhaya Phongolo, and municipal officials.
“This project was launched in 2006 with many postponements, I'm glad it has become a reality,” said Phongolo. Collingham is the first of three rural wards in Makana (Wards 1,3 and 4) to experience the introduction of waterless or dry toilets, which cost the municipality a total of R200 000.
Phongolo thanked Collingham farmer Adrian Moss for his partnership with the municipality. “I wish that other farmers could learn from you on how to assist and work together with the public sector,” said Phongolo. Lylle Strauss of Strauss Builders, the company which installed the dry toilets after Sanix Construction finished the construction, said that they had built nine dry toilets in Thomas Baines Game Reserve; while over 1 000 were introduced to rural areas in Mpumalanga.
Programme Director and Ward 3 Councillor, Zamuxolo Peter said, “The whole world is experiencing a serious water crisis, so the project will assist greatly in the Makana area in solving these problems.” Makana Technical and Infrastructural Services Director, Dabula Njilo, emphasized the significance of Moss's partnership with the government.
Lwana pointed out recent changes in the agricultural sector, including the introduction of the Rural Development and Land Reform portfolio into the national government. He said the Municipal Property Rates Act, which regulates the rate payments on land or property, does not only apply in urban areas but also on farms and therefore all property rate payers are entitled to public services.
He recommended alternative power sources such as solar power to counteract the current water and power crises. Headman Khatshakhowa, a pensioner who has been a resident on the farm since 1988 said, “When we wanted to relieve ourselves we had to go to the nearby bushes even at times when it rained or we were sick. But we are glad that that has come to an end, we feel thrilled and grateful for what the municipality has done for us as we will be saving our water as well.”
