Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements MEC Jacob Mamabolo today committed to eradicating the inhumane use of bucket system within a month in the area of Ratanda, Heidelberg.
Ratanda is reportedly the last area in Gauteng that is still using the bucket system in a few of its sections. Ratanda situation was highlighted during a sitting of the provincial water and sanitation forum which was formed early this year. The forum mandate is look at the water and sanitation issues in the province.
MEC Mamabolo said it was reported in the forum that in many parts of the province people have access to water and sanitation except some parts of Ratanda which still uses bucket system. There are 58 households that use the bucket systems in Ratanda, and some shared them with individuals who don’t have toilets in their yards.
MEC Mamabolo together with the Lesedi Local Municipality Mayor Cllr Lerato Maloka visited the area to assess the situation and to work out a plan with the Municipality and other stakeholders to find a lasting solution that will see the eradication of this dehumanising form of sanitation. “The elimination of the bucket system will go a long way to restore the dignity of the residents of this township. We are going to eradicate this bucket system in the area and provide the residents with proper toilets,” said Mamabolo.
Among the people using the bucket system is Nomusa Mngwevu (67) who stays with her family of 14 in a shack. She said the use of a bucket system for 15 years has been a struggle for her and the family. “The bucket is only removed once a week. I don’t recall how many times I had buy to Jays fluid to eliminate the smell and flies,” said Mngwevu.
Lesedi Local Municipality Executive Mayor Lerato Maloka said that the municipality was working with the provincial government to address the issue of services and housing in the area. “We currently have an active housing project at Obed Mthombeni-Nkosi for some of the people who live in informal settlements. We will also move some of them to the 238 stands that have been formalised and will have basic services,” said Maloka.
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Victor Moreriane
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