By Nkosenhle Sibisi
Disgruntled residents of Banana City Informal Settlements in Reservoir Hills said they feel neglected by eThekwini Municipality as their sewerage problems have not been resolved for months after being reported. They claim that they have had to stop using ablution facilities due to blockages which have been reported to the city, but have not been fixed.
One of the residents, Bonginkosi Sithole said that due to the municipality failing to hear their cries, they have had to resort to using mobile toilets.
“This issue was reported a long time ago. The water and sanitation department came and promised to come back but they have not. Most of the residents use these facilities to shower and now we are forced to bath inside our shacks. We had to ask for two mobile toilets from the other side of the area while waiting for the municipality to help us. This is a health risk and unhygienic for all residents using the facilities,” said Sithole.
Alicia Kisson, ward 23 councillor said that she was made aware of the issues with the ablution facilities last week.
“The conditions are unacceptable. All settlements in the ward are struggling to get assistance from the water and sanitation department which was also one of the main contributing factors to the recent protest. At current, I have not been advised of any repairs to be done by the water and sanitation department and I await their response to what has now become a serious health issue,” said Kisson.
Msawakhe Mayisela, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson said that the welfare of all residents will always be a priority to the city irrespective of where they reside.
“This community is no exception. The city will always do everything in its power to ensure that the ablution facilities that it made available are in a condition that is acceptable for human usage. However, the city also appeals to the members of the community to play their part in ensuring that they look after the facilities provided as opposed to vandalising them and causing blockages by inserting foreign materials inside them. Regarding this matter, we will conduct an investigation to ascertain the veracity of these
reports. We will then be able to determine our next course action in this regard,” said Mayisela.
