Residents of Diepsloot Ext 11 say they have been forced to live in unbearable conditions, after the communal toilets in their area went unserviced for more than eight months leaving them overflowing, filthy, and crawling with maggots.

According to resident Vincent Ndou, the situation has become a daily nightmare. “These toilets are so dirty we can’t even use them properly anymore. It’s even worse for our children who play around here. It’s not safe. It’s not right for anyone to live like this.”

Read more: WATCH: Diepsloot residents march for relief from overflowing toilets and blocked sewerage pipes

Ndou said that residents have repeatedly raised their concerns with Johannesburg Water’s area manager Ngwako Raolane, but their pleas have not been addressed.

At first, Raolane responded to Ndou’s messages, but, after some time, seemingly when he realised that there was no immediate solution in sight, he stopped replying altogether. “He was responding at first, but then he just started ignoring us. I don’t know why. I kept following up, but nothing came out of it.”

Fourways Review asked Raolane if he was aware that residents’ basic human right to sanitation was being violated, but, true to form, he did what he does best: Ignore us.

Screenshots seen by Fourways Review show WhatsApp exchanges between Ndou and Raolane, confirming that messages and calls have gone unanswered for months.

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Ndou say the unbearable conditions have left them with no choice but to consider drastic action. He said that this coming weekend, the community is planning to barricade the main road with buckets of waste to demonstrate the conditions they are forced to live under. “We don’t want to do this, but what else can we do? We’ve been patient, but no one cares. Maybe when they see how we live, they will finally listen.”

When approached for comment, Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala confirmed that the utility is aware of the situation, but did not provide a date for when the toilets will be dislodged. “Johannesburg Water is in the process of finalising contracts to secure the full complement of vacuum trucks needed to enhance the servicing of VIP toilets.

“At present, a partial award framework contract is in operation, however, it does not provide the full number of trucks needed to meet requirements.”

She added that Johannesburg Water acknowledges the impact the delay has had on residents. “We deeply understand how challenging this situation is, and sincerely acknowledge the impact it has on people’s daily lives, and their right to proper sanitation.”

Shabalala explained that a supply chain management process is underway, to finalise the bid evaluation for a deviation contract to procure additional trucks, while a new three-year framework contract is also being evaluated to improve future service delivery going forward.

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