Nelson Mandela Bay municipality yesterday launched the Bucket Eradication Programme that will involve construction of communal ablution facilities in a bid to alleviate sanitation in overpopulated areas.
The project, which will be undertaken in three phases, will take four years to complete. Informal settlements in the area, where buckets are still used as toilets in some city locations, will benefit from construction of communal ablution facilities including water, house slabs and sanitation areas in all the phases. The three phases are planned to take place concurrently depending on visibility.
“I am satisfied to see that the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is doing everything possible to rectify the legacy of the apartheid regime. We cannot dismiss the fact that the Municipality has a backlog. However, the ANC lead government is dealing with that and this is one of its initiatives. As a department we commit to supporting the NMBM in all its endeavours. Sanitation is dignity, we are really pleased with the progress that has been made,” said Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pam Tshwete also present at the event together with municipality Executive Mayor Benson Fihla.
Infrastructure and Engineering Directorate of the municipality was represented at the event by Portfolio Chairman, Councillor Andile Mfunda.
South Africa has initiated a number of sanitation projects such as eThekwini, and AfDB, last month, reiterated for need to increase funding for such programs in least advanced countries.
African Water Facility is also investing US$1.3 in a bid to raise access to water in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. This project is set to benefit 100, 000 students and support local business undertakings.
