More than 37 shacks sharing one pit toilet

The residents of Hlalanikahle Phase 1 near Power Mall feel that they have been overlooked while other residents are moved to better and safe places. They have seen many residents from informal settlements being moved to safer and developed areas, but their story is different. They say that they have been staying in their shacks in the area since 2005. The reason they have been staying in their shacks was with the hope that they will be moved to a better and secure place.

They claim that they have seen councillors come and go. The present councillor is the third one and nothing tangible can be said about their plight. They say the past two former councillors knew about their issues, but they only get promises. They say later numbers were put on their shacks and that gave them hope that there was going to be some progress, but it was not to be.

“We had a couple of meetings with the current councillor Mamcy Mphahlane and our issues were raised, and we were promised that some shacks will be moved and others will remain after proper surveying of the area. We were even promised that water and mobile toilets will also be provided for us. There are more than 100 people staying here, and we are sharing one pit toilet,” the residents pointed out.

The residents said they have run out of places to dig pit toilets because the shacks are crowded in a small area. They say they faced the danger of being infected with the coronavirus and the fact that they do not have a proper supply of water, and they are staying in a crowded place. A questionnaire has been sent to Emalahleni Municipality communications manager Mr Lebo Mofokeng for a response and no response has been received. Cllr Mphahlane indicated though that she is aware of the issues, and the matters are being handled at the council.  

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