NMBM PRIORITISES SANITATION TO RESTORE DIGNITY

For the past decade, the Municipality has experienced the mushrooming of illegal informal settlements across the Metro. These settlements have exerted pressure on the already strained system, with communities demanding sanitation, water, and electricity.

These demands come on top of the already existing backlog of the bucket system. In 2015 the Metro had 32 000 bucket toilets. Through focused interventions dating back to 2019, the number has since been reduced to 6 100 buckets.

"For the next three years, the Metro plans to eradicate the remaining buckets entirely, ensuring that every resident has access to dignified sanitation," said Member of the Mayoral Committee for Infrastructure and Engineering, Councillor Khanya Ngqisha.

He said, "To facilitate this goal, cluster service providers have been appointed to construct various sanitation typologies, including communal ablution blocks and single toilet units. This initiative is designed not only to improve health and hygiene but also to enhance the overall quality of life for our residents". As part of the rollout, contractors have been introduced to local councillors and community members. Some contractors are already on site, actively working.

As a critical element of this project, the Directorate is also conducting community engagement sessions to ensure that contractors understand the unique needs of the areas they serve before they start with construction.