The Ekurhuleni metro will observe National Sanitation and Hygiene Month during May with a bolstered resolve to use good hygiene and decent sanitation to beat the spread of Covid-19.
According to Ekurhuleni spokesperson Themba Gadebe, as part of the Covid-19 intervention measures the metro has been working with the National Department of Water and Sanitation and has distributed 173 water storage tanks to informal settlements.
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He added that this will increase access to water to enable all residents to practise good hygiene.
“The frequent washing of hands has been touted as the most important activity that can prevent one from being infected by the coronavirus and curb the spread of the virus.”
Another measure the metro has implemented in informal settlements is increasing the frequency of draining and cleaning of chemical toilets from between four and six times a month to eight times a month.
“Residents of formal townships have also enjoyed uninterrupted water and sanitation services for the duration of level five and are assured of the same for the duration of level four.
“This is because metro is only conducting essential repair works on its network and has suspended planned maintenance activities.
“The purpose of National Sanitation and Hygiene Month is to promote the importance of sanitation and encourage local governments and communities to prioritise sanitation, health and hygiene,” said Gadebe.
Residents in the metro are encouraged to participate in National Sanitation and Hygiene Month by keeping good hygiene practices, like washing of hands frequently and cleaning their living spaces regularly, top of mind.
Such practices must develop into lifelong habits, not only to curb the spread of Covid-19, but also to prevent the spread of other forms of infections and diseases.
