Residents of Khutsong’s informal settlements, including Joe Slovo, Rivonia, Chris Hani, and T Section, are raising alarm over a worsening sanitation crisis after their pit toilets have not been emptied for several months.

According to frustrated residents, the Merafong City Local Municipality last sent a honey-sucker truck to clean toilets in February. Without this critical service, families are now living with the unbearable stench of raw sewage and are being forced to relieve themselves in nearby open areas.

“This is terrible. We often have to go and relieve ourselves in the veld,” said Joe Slovo resident Tutu Phindane. “They last came in February. Since then, we’ve had to live with the smell of overflowing toilets right next to our homes.”

Most homes in these informal areas rely on pit toilets, which must be emptied regularly by the municipality. Without this service, residents say there is nowhere else to turn.

Community leader Chucku Kerileng confirmed that the issue affects all toilets in Joe Slovo, Rivonia, Chris Hani, and T Section. “Besides the health hazards, overflowing sewage can also lead to ground instability and sinkholes, which are already a known issue in Khutsong,” he warned.

Residents allege that the service has stopped because the municipality has not appointed a contractor to carry out the work. Some also claim that certain municipal workers demand extra payment before assisting.

The Herald contacted Merafong’s marketing and communications manager, Temba Fezani, on Monday for a response. At the time of publication, no comment had been received.

Residents are now calling on the Merafong City Local Municipality to urgently restore sanitation services and provide clear answers, as the risk to public health and the environment continues to grow.