MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Mossel Bay Municipality received R3.8m from the Western Cape Provincial Government’s Asset Funds Reserve to install modern toilet facilities in existing homes.
In its statement announcing the special grant received last week, the municipality said it would guide the installation of these facilities across selected sites in Mossel Bay in collaboration with the ward councillors of the identified wards.
It said the beneficiary identification process prioritises the elderly and disabled residents who are still reliant on external toilet facilities.
Qualification
“The qualification criteria are as per council resolution. Ward councillors compile and submit lists of eligible individuals, which are then verified through door-to-door visits by officials from the municipality’s housing department to confirm the information provided. Once verified, the list is shared with the appointed service provider.”
Asked which wards or areas have the most sanitation challenges, and whether these areas have been identified for installation, the municipality said it remains committed to enhancing sanitation services in wards facing the most pressing sanitation challenges.
“The municipality does not have sufficient information on the status of each toilet facility in Mossel Bay. Most are private facilities, and the owners are responsible to maintain them. The upcoming installations will continue within areas where external toilets still exist.”
Money spent
In its initial statement about the allocation of the R3.8m, the municipality said since 2012, it had spent R12 525 547.37 on closing the gap to provide access to basic services for all, building toilet facilities at residential properties.
“In previous phases, including 2012, 2018 and 2019, the municipality successfully installed 383 toilets across these priority areas mentioned - 70 in 2012, 84 in 2018, and 229 in 2019.
“With the current allocation of R3.8m, the next phase of the project aims to extend efforts already under way to eradicate external toilets for the elderly and disabled. Note that the installations in question require notable construction work to attach the new ablution facility to the existing property.”
The municipality said seeing as the supply chain process is still under way, the number of installations cannot be confirmed at this time.
“A final number will be confirmed once a service provider is appointed. It is important to note that the allocated R3.8m includes professional fees and all other costs to the project.”
Grants
It also noted that there is no national housing grant for the purpose of eradicating outside toilet facilities on privately owned properties.
“Grants only provide toilet facilities when new houses are built as part of a government housing scheme or for basic communal facilities within informal areas.
“The municipality received a special grant from province for this purpose, and it is not guaranteed that the municipality will receive such in future.”
The municipality said regular progress updates will be communicated through municipal channels to foster transparency and ongoing engagement.
The municipal manager, Colin Puren, said this project is a demonstration of the municipality’s commitment to public health and the principles of equality and human dignity.
“By partnering with the Western Cape Provincial Government, we are taking an important step towards building a fairer, healthier and more inclusive Mossel Bay - one in which every resident benefits from quality basic services.”
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