EVATON – The DA’s Emfuleni Local Municipality mayoral candidate, Kingsol Chabalala, is outraged by the 30 corrugated-iron ablution facilities built for Evaton residents at a staggering R24m by the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements.

The project was geared towards eradicating pit toilets in the area and restoring the dignity of Evaton residents. During a press briefing in Evaton on May 6, Chabala called for accountability from all parties involved in the project. Chabalala said he would lay criminal charges for what he called the blatant looting of state resources. Adding that those responsible should face the full might of the law.

Chabalala believes that the money could have been used to electrify the area, prioritising parts of Evaton where residents have lived without electricity for decades.

“Today’s oversight revealed that the toilets are in a state of disrepair, despite the exorbitant amount spent on them. This raises questions about whether the money meant for toilets was misappropriated. It is clear that the levels of corruption and financial mismanagement within this municipality have reached mind-boggling levels.”

The mayoral candidate said Emfuleni residents are struggling with basic service delivery, yet the government consistently prioritises looting resources intended to improve the community’s quality of life.
Residents were, however, shocked to hear that a single unit cost more than R800 000.

At one yard, resident Jabulile Mofokeng said she was happy when the toilets were built as she has two young girls.

“I was happy that the toilets were built nearer to where I live. Unfortunately, the facility has remained locked due to challenges with the sewer pipeline.”

At another yard, the toilets were in use but were not in optimum condition. They were flooded, and the floor was muddy due to recent heavy rains. Residents said they were, however, happy about the hot water they get from the facility.

Other residents said they opt to use their own personally built toilets, revealing that the communal toilets offer very little privacy.

The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, through its spokesperson Tahir Sema, confirmed that R24m has been paid to the contractor and the Professional Resource Team (PRT) for the Evaton ablution facilities project.

“All 30 ablution facilities have been erected and completed. These are not individual toilets but full ablution blocks, each comprising three toilets for males, three toilets for females, urinals for males, and three showers each for males and females.”

The department said it is in the process of procuring a PRT and contractor for Phase 2, which will deliver an additional 150 ablution facilities.

“Each ablution facility is designed to serve between 8 and 10 households. The 30 completed facilities serve approximately 240 to 300 households. The 150 facilities planned under Phase 2 will extend coverage to a further 1 200 to 1 500 households.”

The 30 facilities under Phase 1 were completed on June 24, 2025. Phase 2 is scheduled for completion by May 2028.