MMC for Water and Sanitation Clr Tiisetso Nketle, together with representatives of the business alliance named Business for South Africa and the National Business Initiative, donated hand washing units to families of Qalabosha informal settlement in Daveyton on June 10.
The City’s spokesperson, Themba Gadebe, said Qalabosha has been selected as one of the informal communities where social distancing is difficult to maintain, due to the density of the dwellings.
“The City of Ekurhuleni is working relentlessly to ensure everything which can be done is done to help citizens living in these circumstances. To date, water tanks have been distributed and erected across the length and breadth of the City to ensure access to clean drinking water and for the washing of hands.”
Gadebe said this is in addition to ensuring that throughout lockdown no effort is spared in keeping the taps running in the City.
“The proper use of the hand washing facility will assist the residents in contributing to the City’s plans to conserve water.”
In the keynote address, Nketle emphasised the importance of this initiative.
“Our communities as a municipality also belongs to businesses. We will continue to work together with businesses, through these public-private partnerships, for us to execute our shared responsibility to our communities.”
In addition, a demonstration of the two units was undertaken during the launch, highlighting the ease of use of the locally made hand washing facilities. Gadebe explained these locally manufactured foot-operated hand washing facilities and portable hand washing units will be distributed to underprivileged communities across the City.
“The informal settlements, schools and social services buildings will be prioritised. ?Hand sanitisers have been distributed as an interim emergency measure,” said Gadebe.
