The Ekurhuleni MMC for Water, Sanitation, and Energy, Tiisetso Nkentle, recently launched foot-operated handwashing facilities and distributed sanitiser in the Qalabotsha informal settlement, in Daveyton.
It was a breakthrough for the community as it is marked the first of 113 informal settlements in Ekurhuleni to receive these handwashing facilities.
The Ekurhuleni metro is rolling this out in collaboration with business organisations, namely Business for South Africa and the National Business Initiative, to intensify measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.
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The HOD of water and services, Mduduzi Shabangu, urged the residents of Qalabotsha to take full ownership of the donated facilities.
“Daveyton is the first to experience this change, as we are still busy with the rollout to other informal settlements and customer care centres,” said Shabangu.
“We consider this project a milestone and one which proves we take care of our people.”
Project manager for the National Business Initiative Mmaphefo Thwala said they saw a gap in the market in less privileged communities which do not have proper running water or sanitation during Covid-19.
“We decided to initiate a programme and partner with the metro as they have many communities that we can help and assist in curbing the virus,” Thwala said.
“As we all know, the first line of defence to this virus is to wash your hands.The facilities we have donated to the metro will be of help to the communities.”
Romeo Mokone Ward 70 councillor added that this initiative in his ward will assist the community in practicing good hygiene.
“Being a leader is not only about ruling, but to be physically and emotionally there for your followers,” said Mokone.
Nkentle thanked the community of Qalabotsha for adhering to the invitation and also thanked the donors.
Before and during the lockdown the metro has also brought nine water tanks to Qalabotsha.
“Our work is to serve and we are determined to do exactly that,” said Nkentle.
