PHOLA – In a bold display of desperation, residents of Phola in Nkanini section, have threatened to take their long-standing grievance over the lack of functional toilets to the streets.
The community, which has been enduring this issue for the past ten years, expressed their frustration during a recent Emalahleni Local Municipality community outreach meeting held on April 20, at Masakhane sport grounds.
The gathering, led by the Emalahleni Executive Mayor Cllr Leah Mabuza, was also attended by the Municipal Speaker Mduduzi Mswati Nkosi, Municipal Manager Sizwe Mayisela, and councillors.
The residents explained that the current toilets they have been using are no longer functional due to being full and in a state of disrepair. The situation has also forced the residents to go relieve themselves in the bushes, and that is causing a threat to their health due to the unbearable smell.
Gladys Xosana, a resident from Nkanini said, “It’s been almost 10 years now having this toilet. We have been complaining about the toilets for five years, that they are full and blocked.”
“We can’t use the toilets anymore, worst they’re not safe for our children. When we want to relieve ourselves we go to the bushes and so the children, that is not good at all.” she said.
“If we had money to build new toilets we would have done it long time ago, but we can’t because we are unemployed. The councillors have been coming in and out checking the toilets but still no change. We are tired. Honourable speaker Mswati, don’t just sit in your office, you must come and monitor on how the councillors that you have appointed are doing in our community.” she expressed.
“Councillors are also failing us. No chemicals have been used to reduce this blockage toilets and it is very painful.” she added.
“How do you expect us to vote while we don’t see change in our communities. This is a shame; we want to be honest. Our municipality has failed is, not just with toilets only but also roads, water , and lack of jobs.” Simphiwe Radebe said.
In the respond to all the frustrations addressed by the residents, Mayor Mabuza said, “ On the issue of toilets , we will have to look on it as the municipality and ensure that this matter is attended.”
“We hear what you’re saying my good people. I have indicated that we want the municipality that is functional.” she added.
