MIDVAAL—Sicelo residents have raised concerns over filthy portable toilets that have allegedly not been maintained for weeks. Speaking to Ster North, residents said that they are desperate for a solution as they fear that the situation will start affecting their health. They said that the portable toilets are in extremely poor condition due to the lack of maintenance.

Following a media enquiry by Ster North, Midvaal Local Municipality said it is aware of the challenges currently faced by the community of the informal section of Sicelo regarding the maintenance of the portable toilets.

Senior Media Officer Idah Satikhe said while the provision of sanitation services falls under the mandate of the Water Services Authority, which in this case is Midvaal Local Municipality, the portable toilet programme in Sicelo was originally implemented by the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements as part of the upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme.

“The programme was halted by the department without a formal handover to the municipality. As a result, Midvaal was forced to assume responsibility for the maintenance of these facilities without the necessary budget allocation. Despite these challenges, the municipality has stepped in by providing resources and teams to assist with the maintenance of the toilets.”

Satikhe said the municipality is also engaging with the Department of Human Settlements to find a sustainable and long-term solution. She further highlighted that the discussions are aimed at addressing the funding and service delivery gaps that have emerged.

“In the interim, Midvaal remains committed to ensuring that the community’s dignity and basic needs are upheld.An action plan is being developed to formalise the municipality’s role in this regard and ensure consistent sanitation service delivery in the area.