NMBM blames "SMME challenges" for delay in eradicating bucket toilets in Missionvale, PE

16 May 2016 | Admin Author

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has blamed so-called challenges with SMME's for the delay in the eradication of the bucket toilet system in Missionvale Township.

Mayoral Committee Member for Infrastructure and Engineering, Andile Mfunda, visited Missionvale on Monday to check on the progress of the eradication project in that area.
"Although he promised the people of Missionvale that by end of April they would have flushing toilets, a four week delay due to challenges with SMMEs resulted in the delay," according to a brief statement from the Municipality.

Mfunda also visited the new R3m water treatment works that has already been finished. "Water has also been connected to 700 households with meter readers already installed and working. Municipal officials have committed to work around the clock to recover lost time and delivery before end of June," the statement said.

"Councillor Mfunda also addressed the affected community who were happy with progress made and the report they got. R50 million has been invested in sanitation and water infrastructure in Missionvale."

Last week the DA lashed out at the Metro for missing its own deadline to eradicate bucket toilets in Missionvale.

DA mayoral candidate Athol Trollip said Mfunda had promised that all Missionvale township residents would be able to flush a working toilet by April, but he said by 3 May, "Missionvale residents still live with the indignity of bucket toilets, showing up yet another broken promise from the Jordaan ANC government."

Trollip said according to Stats SA, "a tragic truth is that 35% of all bucket toilets in South Africa are still located in Nelson Mandela Bay."