A project, worth R44 million, to instal proper toilets seems set to go a long way towards restoring the dignity of some of the poorest people in Grahamstown – especially those who have, for years, endured the bucket system and pit latrines.
A project, worth R44 million, to instal proper toilets seems set to go a long way towards restoring the dignity of some of the poorest people in Grahamstown – especially those who have, for years, endured the bucket system and pit latrines.
Residents of Grahamstown communities have been waiting for flushing toilets for decades and the R44m bucket eradication project is already under way.
Zolani resident, Nomthandazo Mani, says the flushing toilets will make a huge difference to their lives.
She says that people in her area have either resorted to digging their own holes to make toilets or they use buckets.
“The sad thing is that those who use buckets are forced to dump the waste in the nearby [Kowie] river because the trucks can’t access this area to collect the buckets,” she said.
Mani has been living in Zolani since 1990 and she says the environment is a health hazard and the river is contaminated.
“It’s really bad because people walk past that area all the time.”
Six of some of the oldest townships in Grahamstown will benefit from the project, which is expected to be completed in as little as two months.
Municipal spokesperson, Yoliswa Ramokolo, said 600 toilets would be built in Hlalani, 54 in in-fill areas Lower and Upper Mnandi, 27 in N Street, 31 in J Street, 141 in Zolani and 35 in Xolani Squatters.
Ramokolo said the service provider, Sacrete Construction, was awarded the tender on 15 October last year.
“The anticipated date of completion is 31 March 2016, but this will depend on whether the challenges we are faced with at the site are addressed in time,” she said.
The project started in Mnandi near Phumlani and is currently in J Street. Ramokolo said the contractor has already completed four pilot toilets – two in Mnandi and two in N Street.
Ramokolo said Makana is doing the best it can under the circumstances to bring service delivery to people.
“We are still sourcing funds to address the challenge of bucket and pit latrine systems in our community. Our wish is to give dignity to our citizens by getting rid of such systems,” she said.
anele@grocotts.co.za
