THE Free State provincial government has approached the Development Bank of Southern Africa for financial assistance to fix open toilets in Rammolutsi, Viljoenskroon.
MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs Olly Mlaleli said the uncovered toilets in the area were giving her sleepless nights. Mlaleli addressed residents of Rammolutsi yesterday and promised to speed up service delivery. Although she didn't specifically speak about open toilets, Sowetan asked her if there were any plans to fix the problem. This followed a visit by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in neighbouring Monyakeng in Wesselsbron on Wednesday.
Madonsela had expressed shock at the state of affairs in the area, where residents endured heavy stench daily from the failed sewer system.
She was invited by residents who wanted her to see first-hand problems emanating from maladministration by the Nala municipality.
Mlaleli also threatened to take action against contractors who failed to complete the toilet projects. "We have contacted companies that left without completing their work to return and finish them.
"We are currently verifying every case regarding the toilets, and will deal with every case according to its merits," Mlaleli said.
Residents told Sowetan that they had lost hope that the provincial government will attend to their quest to have dignity when using their toilets.
A resident, Legedia Matee, said she regrets allowing municipal officials to demolish her old toilet, promising to build her a new one.
"I am sad, embarrassed and angry that I don't have dignity when I answer the call of nature.
"I am now forced to use a bucket and later walk out to throw the mess into a toilet outside," said Matee.
Her toilet was demolished eight months ago by officials of Moqhaka local municipality.
"When we go to bed at night, we carry buckets that we use to relieve ourselves. Imagine having to sit on a five-litre plastic bucket ... During the day I take a blanket and cover myself so that people cannot see what I am doing. We live in an inhumane situation, but our government is folding its arms," said Matee.
Paul Sebata and his three siblings also use a bucket to relieve themselves despite a new toilet having been erected in their yard.
"This toilet is a white elephant in our yard. We have no other option but to use the bucket. We live like pigs," Sebata said. "Our yard is a grave for our excrement, we have countless holes in our yard filled with human waste," he said.
DA ward councilor Mosa Makwele said: "More than R11-million was spent for 1680 uncovered toilets.
"We have not seen where the money went to. Instead, our people are left with humiliation and embarrassment caused by the municipality," Makwele said.
Province looks to DBSA to fumigate toilet stink
THE Free State provincial government has approached the Development Bank of Southern Africa for financial assistance to fix open toilets in Rammolutsi, Viljoenskroon.
MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs Olly Mlaleli said the uncovered toilets in the area were giving her sleepless nights. Mlaleli addressed residents of Rammolutsi yesterday and promised to speed up service delivery. Although she didn't specifically speak about open toilets, Sowetan asked her if there were any plans to fix the problem. This followed a visit by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in neighbouring Monyakeng in Wesselsbron on Wednesday.
Madonsela had expressed shock at the state of affairs in the area, where residents endured heavy stench daily from the failed sewer system.
She was invited by residents who wanted her to see first-hand problems emanating from maladministration by the Nala municipality.
Mlaleli also threatened to take action against contractors who failed to complete the toilet projects. "We have contacted companies that left without completing their work to return and finish them.
"We are currently verifying every case regarding the toilets, and will deal with every case according to its merits," Mlaleli said.
Residents told Sowetan that they had lost hope that the provincial government will attend to their quest to have dignity when using their toilets.
A resident, Legedia Matee, said she regrets allowing municipal officials to demolish her old toilet, promising to build her a new one.
"I am sad, embarrassed and angry that I don't have dignity when I answer the call of nature.
"I am now forced to use a bucket and later walk out to throw the mess into a toilet outside," said Matee.
Her toilet was demolished eight months ago by officials of Moqhaka local municipality.
"When we go to bed at night, we carry buckets that we use to relieve ourselves. Imagine having to sit on a five-litre plastic bucket ... During the day I take a blanket and cover myself so that people cannot see what I am doing. We live in an inhumane situation, but our government is folding its arms," said Matee.
Paul Sebata and his three siblings also use a bucket to relieve themselves despite a new toilet having been erected in their yard.
"This toilet is a white elephant in our yard. We have no other option but to use the bucket. We live like pigs," Sebata said. "Our yard is a grave for our excrement, we have countless holes in our yard filled with human waste," he said.
DA ward councilor Mosa Makwele said: "More than R11-million was spent for 1680 uncovered toilets.
"We have not seen where the money went to. Instead, our people are left with humiliation and embarrassment caused by the municipality," Makwele said.
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