DA Exposes 750 Open Toilets in Extension 10, Tsakane, Ekurhuleni
The DA exposed the existence of 750 open toilets in extension 10, Tsakane, in response to the Mayors speech at the council meeting on the 26th of October 2011.
DA Ekurhuleni leader Shelley Loe today informed the full council of the fact that these toilets have been in a state of disrepair and incompletion since at least 2008, built under the tenure of Ntombi Mekgwe as mayor, who has since been promoted. In addition, there is no running water or functional taps in the area.
The DA, however did attempt to avoid a scandal on this matter in the interests of the residents. DA caucus leader Shelley Loe said "I personally informed Ekurhuleni Mayor Mondli Gungubele of these open toilets on the 9th of September. He promised me a response within 3 weeks. Despite sending letters to his office asking for a response, nothing has been forthcoming."
Excerpt from Loe's Speech:
"I think you (Mayor Mondli Gungubele) owe the people of Extension 10, Tsakane, an explanation on what is happening about the 750 so-called toilets in their area. I have to tell you, Mr Mayor, that I have no desire to start a new toilet saga between our parties, which is why I put it on your desk and asked you to address it. I repeat: the residents inform us that these structures have been in the same state since 2008. From the looks of them, it seems to me that the project was totally abandoned by builders. I have photographs which speak much louder than words - many have no toilets in them at all, the brick structures are incomplete or falling down, there is no water in the pipes so even if a person could use a toilet, they are not flushable. Many have no walls, doors or roofs.
The people want answers, Mr Mayor. It is a very sad state of affairs to interview an old lady who does not have private toilet facilities and lives in absolute squalor, except for her own little shack which is spotlessly clean and swept, inside and out. She says she has never had a decent toilet all her life and that running water and a flushing toilet would be like heaven to her.
It is wrong Mr Mayor, for this woman's public representatives - all of us here, to ignore this plea. For it is a very simple and basic requirement. And while councillors enjoy the trappings of office and hold important strat sessions and heaven knows what at Misty Hills and other fancy places - because apparently our brains only work when we are fed, watered and bedded in luxury hotels far away from dear old Ekurhuleni - this woman and many like her, don't even have the dignity of being able to use a toilet that works. This Council should be ashamed. And the ruling party has the power to fix it. I ask you, Mr Mayor, let us give this lady and all her neighbours the best Christmas present of all - a working, proper toilet and taps that yield clean, running water by December. She might even vote ANC again"
The failure of Mayor Gungubele to intervene has forced the DA's hand. "The residents of extension 10 in Tsakane cannot wait. I have personally visited the area and spoken to residents, who manage to keep their informal dwellings spotlessly clean amidst the filth of these toilets, but have never had running water and sewage because of the failures of the Ekurhuleni metro" said Loe, who added "these open toilets are a monument to the failures of the ANC as a party of government."
The DA urges the ANC-led administration to take urgent action on this matter, and will be reporting the incident to the Human Rights Commission should no action be taken. The DA is of the view that we have exhausted all steps possible in Ekurhuleni to assist the residents with this problem.
Statement issued by Clr Shelley Loe, DA Ekurhuleni Leader (Leader of the Opposition), October 31 2011
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