Mandeni community receive new sanitation facilities

Overpowering stench, buzzing flies and waiting in long lines for water tankers is something of the past for the people of Monkeytown, Mandeni.

Last Thursday they finally received flushing toilets, showers and wash basins after years of relieving themselves in the bush and queuing at one of only two communal taps for water to wash, drink and prepare meals.

The Ilembe district municipality (IDM) handed over donated containers fitted with communal toilets, sinks and showers to the community. The donation was made by an IDM service provider, Esor Construction, who said they were proud to be part of the initiative. Esor contributed two containers, one for women and one for men with toilets, showers and concrete washing basins.

IDM deputy mayor Cllr Dolly Shandu, district infrastructure portfolio committee chair cllr Jabulani Zondo, Esor director Des Anamalay and site manager Rowland Roopnarian officially handed over the keys to cllr Pinky Mdletshe-Mbambo and the ward committee. Cllr Shandu thanked Esor Construction for restoring the dignity of the people in Monkeytown.

“We really appreciate it. Thank you very much! We wish you could take this project to other wards and even other municipalities in this district. We have so many slums in Mandeni in particular.”

The Monkeytown community will use the container toilets, showers and washing basins while waiting to be relocated to low-cost houses.