Two hundred and nineteen rural families from Senqu and Elundini local municipality will receive new ventilator improved pits (lavatories) from human settlements MEC Nombulelo Mabandla and National Minister Tokyo Sexwale at the handover ceremony of the multimillion rand accelerated infrastructure sanitation project at Sterkspruit on May 10 2010.

The total project encapsulates 2600 households to be served with ventilated improved pits with a budget allocation of R18 million rands to complete the project. The project covers Senqu and Elundini municipalities.

The beneficiaries (families) had been using velds and forests as lavatories for many years without privacy. The handover forms part of a national programme on commemorating sanitation and hygiene week giving prominence to sanitation issues including cleaning of toilets, washing of hands, personal hygiene and water care.

It is envisaged that by the end of 2014, all residents living within the UKhahlamba District will have access to basic sanitation services which are affordable and sustainable, which promote a healthy living environment, and which offer an improved quality of life for all. The handover coincides with the launch of sanitation and hygiene week which focuses on increasing awareness of the importance of sanitation to one’s daily lifestyle, including the benefits of health and dignity from good sanitation facilities.

Awareness is raised to improve people’s behavior through correct use of sanitation facilities and good hygiene practices by promoting programmes that ensure sustainability of sanitation facilities, through good planning and the correct usage, operations and mantainance of the facilities.The event will be held in Bensoville College play grounds, Sterkspruit on Monday 10 May 2010.

ISSUED BY: EC HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

CONACT: 071 6711770/0798736400
Lwandile Sicwetsha
Departmental spokesperson