The department has noted the report released by the Statistics South Africa in recent weeks, which records an increase in number of buckets toilets in the province. The department is studying the contents of the report to ascertain where the increase has occurred in the Province. It is likely that this increase is in the informal areas, not the formal areas which has already been counted and budgeted for.
The department reassures the people of the Eastern Cape, particularly those still using the bucket toilet system that the Bucket Eradication Programme which was launched last year in Grahamstown. Construction is also underway in Makana, Paterson, Baviaans, Steynsburg, Indwe, Jansenville, Somerset and Ndlambe.
Nurcha has been commissioned to provide programme management services for the bucket eradication programme in the Eastern Cape. As such, an amount R94 060 000 has been allocated to 9 projects across 8 municipalities who have a bucket toilets in the province.
Currently, the number of buckets in province’s formal areas stands at 2 827. Bucket eradication is focusing in 3 district municipalities, Cacadu, Joe Gqabi, Chris Hani, with a total of 8 municipalities to benefit from this programme inclusive of local municipalities. Out of this programme water-bone sewerage systems will be constructed and households connected to the flush system. Furthermore, VIP latrines in the townships of Grahamstown and Port Alfred will be eradicated through replacement by proper top structures and sewerage network.
The bucket eradication programme is meant to eradicate buckets in three phases:
- Phase1: Eradicate 2 827 buckets and 3 293 malfunctioning VIPs in the formal areas in the Province.
- Phase2: eradicate buckets(still to be quantified) in the informal areas of the Province
- Phase3: Address sanitation backlogs to households without access to sanitation in the Province.
Government is committed to eradicating buckets to restore the dignity of the People. Bucket eradication work has started in the formal areas.
Enquiries:
Lwandile Sicwetsha
Cell: 071 671 1770
