Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has condemned the sanitation crisis at the Ramaphosa informal settlement in Vereeniging, calling it a violation of human rights.
This follows the publication’s report that revealed that portable toilets in the area have not been serviced for four months.
The crisis stems from the provincial government’s decision to cut funding for the programme responsible for maintaining the ablution facilities.
Panyaza Lesufi
Although the province had given the Emfuleni Municipality advance notice of the funding withdrawal, the municipality said it does not have the financial capacity to take over the programme.
“I don’t even want to go in. What happens if a worm finds its way into my private part? I use a bucket now. There’s no other way,” said resident Frieda Veeris.
These are the daily realities of residents at the Ramaphosa informal settlement, whose portable toilets have been infested by worms.
Ramaphosa informal settlement
Lesufi said it’s unacceptable that basic services such as cleaning toilets are something government is failing to do.
“I had a very not-so-nice meeting with the HOD and MEC of Human Settlements because this matter has been brought to my attention. We just need to attend to it and resolve it.”
Lesufi said he’s told the provincial human settlements department to find an urgent solution to the sanitation crisis.
In other news – Watch: Vusi Nova hosts late Zahara’s family in his house
Well-known Mzansi singer Vusi Nova extends the love he has for the late Zahara to her family. Zahara, real name Bulelwa Mkutukana, died December 11, 2023, after battling liver complications.
The South African musician hosted the family of the late singer, who was his best friend, at his home. Taking to social media, Vusi shared a video of Zahara’s family dining with him. Read More
