Lesufi instructs Gauteng human settlements dept to resolve Emfuleni sanitation crisis

JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has instructed the provincial human settlements department to urgently resolve the sanitation crisis at informal settlements in Emfuleni.

Earlier this week, EWN reported that portable toilets at the Ramaphosa informal settlement in Vereeniging had not been cleaned for four months.

The crisis began after the Gauteng government withdrew funding for the mobile toilet maintenance programme.

READ: Gauteng govt defends itself amid ongoing sanitation crisis in Emfuleni Local Municipality

Although the province had given Emfuleni notice about the funding cut, the municipality claims it lacks the financial resources to take over the programme.

The Ramaphosa informal settlement vividly highlighted ongoing service delivery failures within the Emfuleni Municipality.

Portable toilets in the community have not been cleaned, resulting in worm infestations on the toilet seats.

Some residents are left with no choice but to use the unsanitary facilities as they are.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has stated that the situation could not be allowed to continue.

"In no uncertain terms, I requested the MEC to attend to this issue because it's a human rights violation that cannot be tolerated, especially in our province."

Lesufi said he would ensure funds are directed to address the sanitation crisis.