Rotary to the rescue

APPALLED by the fact that small children and their teachers are using open air toilets in full view of the public and next to a main road, Richards Bay Rotary Club members have vowed to restore their dignity.

An ambitious project to raise funds for the construction of a proper ablution block was launched at the 10th edition of Rotary’s popular Music Trivia evening on Friday, which began with guests shown slides of the humiliating circumstances prevailing at the Sekusilezulu Crèche in Mzingazi.

Those present responded magnificently and R45 000 was pledged to the Sekusilezulu Crèche Sanitation Project, which is being run with the permission of the Umbonambi Traditional Council.

‘About three months ago on the way back from RBM on Dune Road, we noticed these so-called toilets that were exposed for all to see,’ said Rotarian Arthur Gray.

‘Some 76 kids from six months to five years old attend the crèche, which has the two outdoor toilets plus one ‘long drop’.

‘Furthermore, food is prepared on a gas stove with only one plate working.’

Plans drawn

Prices received thus far for the building project range from R300 000 R500 000.

This includes four toilets each for boys and girls as well as one each for male and female teachers, plus the electrification of all classrooms and installation of ceiling fans.

‘It was stressed to the recipients that the project would only happen if we were able to find donors locally or through our Rotary International Global Grant programme.

‘Friday night’s Music Trivia was the first step in trying to raise funds to achieve what we have set out to do and we are extremely grateful to the fantastic Richards Bay community for their support,’ said Gray.