GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality delivered 67 new toilets to Ward 21’s informal settlements this past financial year, improving sanitation and dignity. 

Last week, 19 waterborne Buffalo Tank flush toilets, equipped with wash basins, were handed over in Bhekela, Thembalethu, by Acting Mayor Browen Johnson, MMC for Human Settlements Cllr Jean Safers, and Ward Councillor Cllr Siphelo Manxele. 

These durable, vandalism-resistant systems follow successful pilots in Syferfontein, Wilderness Heights, and Thembalethu.

“This is about restoring dignity, especially for women and children,” said Cllr Johnson, urging the community to maintain the facilities. 

The rollout adheres to the national standard of one toilet per five households, with 19 additional concrete toilets installed in Bhekela after sewer infrastructure upgrades. Contractors were appointed on 30 May to meet urgent needs.

Further improvements include Buffalo Tank toilets in the Robben Island Temporary Relocation Area. Cllr Safers praised the municipal team’s dedication, while Cllr Manxele noted the toilets’ positive impact but highlighted the need for more services in Ward 21.

Cllr Siphelo Manxele at one of the flush toilets in Ward 21.

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