RESIDENTS of Clairwood are still battling the stench caused by mobile toilets lining Cherry Road, despite an assurance that the facilities would be removed within a week.

Ward 32 councillor Protas Mngonyama previously assured residents that the toilets would be removed within a week, but they remain in place, leaving residents frustrated and questioning when the promised removal will take place.

The SUN previously reported the community’s plight after residents complained about the foul smell emanating from the toilets and the impact it was having on those living nearby.

Also read: Public toilets spark outrage in Clairwood

The mobile toilets were placed along the side of the road to serve residents from a nearby informal settlement.

However, according to Clairwood Ratepayers and Residents Association (CRRA) spokesperson Ravin Brijlal, the facilities have now become a growing health and sanitation concern.

“These toilets are now becoming a health concern because they are not being cleaned. They are overflowing onto the street and causing sewage to run into the street. These toilets should have been removed a long time ago because nearby residents are being inconvenienced. The ward councillor did not honour his promise,” said Brijlal.

He added that residents were forced to live with the unpleasant conditions on a daily basis, while the overflowing toilets were creating an unsanitary environment along the road.

Also read: Massive fire breaks out in Clairwood

He said the situation was particularly concerning given the close proximity of the toilets to homes and other areas frequented by members of the community.

The continued presence of the toilets has also raised questions about the maintenance of temporary sanitation facilities and whether sufficient measures are being taken to ensure they do not pose a health risk to surrounding communities.

Brijlal said residents wanted the relevant authorities to intervene and ensure that the toilets were either properly maintained or removed as previously promised.

The CRRA is calling for urgent action to address the situation and provide relief to residents who continue to be affected by the toilets along Cherry Road.

Mngonyama could not be reached for comment at the time of publishing.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.