News / National
Bulawayo residents cry foul over ablution crisis
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Residents of Iminyela in Bulawayo's Ward 13 have expressed frustration over the Bulawayo City Council's (BCC) failure to complete the construction of toilets, a project that began over a decade ago, as the community grapples with a persistent water crisis.
Speaking to Southern Eye, George Sibanda, chairperson of the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association for Ward 13, highlighted the dire situation.
"The toilets were meant to serve standalone houses to eliminate the current practice where four families share one toilet, which poses significant health risks," Sibanda said.
The toilet construction project, initiated in 2013, has stalled despite initial progress. Sibanda explained that at the start of the project, residents were expected to construct their own toilets.
"Initially, equipment was procured for residents to build their toilets, but later we were informed that the local authority would take over the construction," he said.
However, years later, the project remains incomplete, leaving residents vulnerable to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, especially during water-shedding periods.
Sibanda emphasized the urgent need for action, citing the community's health concerns.
"The problem we are facing is that four families are sharing one toilet while we endure water-shedding. This puts us at high risk of contracting diseases like cholera," he said.
Residents have engaged the BCC multiple times to address the issue, but the council has cited financial constraints as the primary obstacle.
"The residents have been paying their rates, but for all these years, the local authority is saying it is in a financial crisis," Sibanda said.
He urged the council to prioritize the project to ensure the safety of residents.
"We appeal to the local authority to secure funds to complete the construction of the toilets and curb the spread of diseases," he said.
The water crisis in Bulawayo, compounded by aging infrastructure and inconsistent water supply, has exacerbated the plight of Iminyela residents. Community leaders continue to advocate for improved service delivery and greater accountability from the BCC to address longstanding issues.
Speaking to Southern Eye, George Sibanda, chairperson of the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association for Ward 13, highlighted the dire situation.
"The toilets were meant to serve standalone houses to eliminate the current practice where four families share one toilet, which poses significant health risks," Sibanda said.
The toilet construction project, initiated in 2013, has stalled despite initial progress. Sibanda explained that at the start of the project, residents were expected to construct their own toilets.
"Initially, equipment was procured for residents to build their toilets, but later we were informed that the local authority would take over the construction," he said.
However, years later, the project remains incomplete, leaving residents vulnerable to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, especially during water-shedding periods.
"The problem we are facing is that four families are sharing one toilet while we endure water-shedding. This puts us at high risk of contracting diseases like cholera," he said.
Residents have engaged the BCC multiple times to address the issue, but the council has cited financial constraints as the primary obstacle.
"The residents have been paying their rates, but for all these years, the local authority is saying it is in a financial crisis," Sibanda said.
He urged the council to prioritize the project to ensure the safety of residents.
"We appeal to the local authority to secure funds to complete the construction of the toilets and curb the spread of diseases," he said.
The water crisis in Bulawayo, compounded by aging infrastructure and inconsistent water supply, has exacerbated the plight of Iminyela residents. Community leaders continue to advocate for improved service delivery and greater accountability from the BCC to address longstanding issues.
Source - newsday
