“Having a toilet is a human right,” says Karen Mentoor as she points to a toilet filled to the brim with garbage.
The community leader from Overcome Heights informal settlement near Seawinds in Lavender Hill claims there is a shortage of toilets in the community which forces some residents to dig a hole “to do their business.”
“For me a toilet is a necessity and all we want is for the City to come and fix the toilets so that people can use it.”
She further explained: “The City gave some residents a porta potty but those who don’t have one needs to use one of these toilets and if it is broken it forces them to dig a hole, and for me that is not on.
“That is very disturbing for me.”
When People’s Post visited the area on Wednesday 29 November, more than 10 toilets were either broken, overflowing with sewage and garbage or had no doors or handles.
For Charmaine Gro (54) – a resident of 18 years – living directly behind public toilets means being in the path of sewage whenever a pipe breaks or is stolen.
“People broke the pipes and stole pipes so the water has been leaking for a long time, I have asthma.
“I have notified the City many times but they still haven’t fixed it.”
Another toilet allegedly damaged during a fire two years ago remains padlocked shut and un-operational.
“In November 2021 a fire damaged this toilet.
“I use a small porta-potty inside my home. But whenever these toilets break the sewage runs up to my front door.
“I have allergies and asthma so would like to have the non-working toilets in front of my house to be completely removed.”
Carmen Fielies (39) claims that toilets have been an issue for a number of years as it is never fixed when vandalised or broken.
“The toilets are a big issue because we have small kids and the toilets are broken and some have no toilet doors. A lot of kids play here and we just need to have these toilets fixed already.”
According to Mentoor, the toilets are not fixed once it breaks.
“The toilets have been here for six years and have never been fixed or replaced. It is a health risk. Some of the water is black and green and it is simply not humane.”
According to Mayco member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien vandalism of toilet structures and stand pipes occur regularly.
“After a recent site meeting with the ward councillor, City officials, community leaders and other relevant stakeholders it was agreed that the vandalised toilets on the sports field side will be repaired early next year.”
He added that maintenance and operational teams respond to service requests for the area as received, including the fixing of toilet doors.
“As the work is completed it is communicated to the community leaders.”
However, the lack of reporting of defects via the City’s reporting platforms leads to delays in responding to complaints.
“Every effort is made to respond to service requests in the shortest possible time. Please report water and sanitation service requests.”
