Residents advised to value toilets
DWS has urged members of the public to practice good upkeep of their sanitation facilities.
Residents have been advised to value toilets for better health.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has called on residents to value their sanitation facilities to prevent the spread of illness in communities.
This comes as the global community commemorates World Toilet Day – observed annually on November 19.
According to spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, World Toilet Day aims to raise awareness and tackle sanitation challenges.
“We aim to raise awareness about the significance of dignified and safely managed sanitation facilities and inspire action to tackle the global sanitation challenges. This will help us achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which promises sanitation for all by 2030 and beyond,” said Ratau.
DWS has therefore called on residents to have ‘renewed relationships with their toilets’.
“What we have found over time is that conversations about toilets are uncomfortable,” explained Ratau. He added that unfortunately, these conversations could not be put off, especially as the world faces a global pandemic.
“Poor sanitation facilities have detrimental effects on the health of children and adults with underlying conditions,” he continued.
Inevitably, he added, this could lead to other health problems such as dehydration, anaemia, and malnutrition.
“A poorly kept toilet has devastating consequences not only for one’s health but also the environment. This is true particularly in the poorest and most marginalised communities.”
For this reason, DWS is advocating for a ‘new vision’ and to approach sanitation services in a new way.
“Th need to value toilets is of paramount importance. They are an integral part of people’s livelihoods and deserve a decent social status,” he stated.
According to Statistics SA, households with access to improved sanitation increased from 49% in 1996 to 82.2% in 2019.
“The Department is aware there are still approximately 2.8 million households in the country without access to improved sanitation services. We are working tirelessly to ensure access improves,” Ratau confirmed.
DWS has urged members of the public to practice good upkeep of their sanitation facilities.
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