A few weeks ago, CYDT reported on the critical challenges facing marginalised groups of Ward 4 located in Jahunda Township, the oldest township in Gwanda Town. One of the challenges highlighted was the sharing of dilapidated public toilets which posed a health crisis threat.
With an estimated 2000 people in which youths contribute 60% of the population, it is quite unthinkable that such a large population relies on two public toilets. In addition, since the time they were built, the toilets have never been renovated, and the public continue to use the toilets system despite the toilets having a poor reticulation system.
Recently, residents highlighted that the public toilets were being renovated, however, there is widespread discontent by residents residing in the ward over the prolonged period of renovation which are now exposing residents to health risks as the toilets are locked.
A Ward 4 resident Mr Edmore Ngulube noted that the situation was a threat especially when the world is faced with Coronavirus.
“Initially, the ward had three public toilets but only two are currently functioning. The third one was closed years back due to lack of water and poor urinary and flushing systems. Now that this one is closed because of renovations only one is functioning. And looking at the population in the ward it cannot meet the capacity. At a time when we are faced with the covid-19 pandemic that requires the decongestion of people in such facilities, the challenges we are faced with needs to be looked at with urgency,” said Mr Ngulube.
On the public toilet that is still functioning, another ward 4 resident Mr Reason Dube said the toilet is located in a risky area for the public to use especially at night.
“It’s been a month since the toilet renovations began which means the toilets have been closed ever since. The one closed is the one that is mostly used by people because of its proximity to the residents. The other one is bit far and located at a bushy place where residents are exposed to being mugged by thieves and to make matters worse there are no lights in the toilets and in areas surrounding the toilets despite residents paying street light levy,” said Mr Dube.
The area is not only plunged into a health time ticking bomb because of the poor toilet facility, the poor sewage system which is always bursting has also another critical challenge.
“Sewages are running across our yards, the issue of sewages has been part of us as the municipality has failed to permanently solve the problem. We fear for the health of our children who play around the sewages,”MrsZanele Nyathi a resident in the area said.
Besides poor toilet facilities, the water system and poor infrastructure have made life to be difficult for some of the residents staying in the township. The community has only two public water taps. The residents have for a long time complained to the municipality that they need another tap considering the growing population in the area, however, every elected councilor have saved their terms without addressing these issues.
“The local authorities promised that they will address the situation but we are now fade up of their unfulfilled promises. During campaigns for elections, aspiring councilors tell us that they will address these issues but once they are elected into office they turn a blind eye on what they promised us,” Mrs Nyathi said.
The outgoing councilor Mr Mduduzi Ncube boasted that he had managed to achieve notable developments in the ward. When asked what he had done in addressing toilet and sewer problems which had created a health hazard for the residents, he said that he had upgraded the facility by installing chambers and showers but people vandalized and stole the utensils.
“It is so sad that when you want serve people and help alleviate their problems, some people are busy thinking how to steal and vandalize that which should serve them,” said the former councilor.
Regarding the renovations of the toilets which according to the public have taken too long, the current councillor Mr Njabulo Siziba begged for public patience.
“The renovations taking place are to upgrade the flashing and urinary systems which are currently non-functional. Showers are the ones currently functioning. The challenges being faced in this process of renovations is that, residents are impatient, and I understand their concern especially those using one rooms, who rely on the toilet. As a councillor elected by people my job is to monitor development in the ward, I am not using my own personal funds to renovate, but I table the concerns of the people in the ward in regards to service delivery in the ward, to the full council meetings at the municipality, which then go under council resolutions,” said Councillor Siziba.
“After the council resolved to undertake renovations, requisitions were made and sent to the finance management. At that point, I can only follow ups. I can comment that the pace at which the renovations are going lies with the council administration which I have no power to control. But the situation is that as the face of the council in the ward, I am now being a scape goat and people are venting out their frustrations and anger at me, for a situation that I successfully tabled to the municipality but have no authority to dictate its pace. I went to consult the engineering department and the plumbers on the situation that is unfolding as a result of the delay of the renovations. I am yet to get an answer on that,” Councillor Siziba added.
Some residents threatened to throng the councilor’s home to demand an immediate opening of the toilets while others threatened to initiate demonstrations. Residents argued that the local authorities were not doing enough since they are not directly affected by these challenges. They noted that local authorities have safe toilets built in their respective homes.
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