THE United Nations declared 19 November World Toilet Day and according to Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) approximately 3.1 per cent of people in South Africa do not have access to sanitation or are still using the bucket system. This figure converts to 1.7 million people.
While Stats SA’s General Household Survey noted that improvements in sanitation rose from 33 per cent to 82 per cent between 2002 and 2017, the South African Institution of Civil Engineers (SAICE) has found that while the country’s sanitation infrastructure, including wastewater systems is acceptable, it is under stress in urban areas and unfit in rural areas.
Also read: Residents’ health concerns rise after massive sewage spill
According to Deon van Staden, operations director for office services at Servest, water scarcity, coupled with rapid population growth and perennial drought precipitated by climate change, has exerted pressure on clean and drinkable water resources in South Africa.
“Good sanitation is critical, as millions of people, including children, die every year from diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene,” he said.
Also read: Khabazela Village residents fed-up with sewage leaks
South Africa continues to battle with a number of challenges around planning and implementation of decent sanitation systems.
You can also sign up for news alerts on Telegram. Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532. 
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.
