“The power lies in the hands of the Emfuleni ANC-run local municipality for better service delivery,” they say. The residents of the Joko Tea informal settlement near Bophelong say they have on several occasions appealed to the Emfuleni Municipality to install Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) toilets. Manana Gadebe (55) and Dorah De Bruin (49), said VIP toilets will reduce the bad smell that causes TB in the squatter camp. Their statements were echoed by that of Tsidi Mofokeng, saying they have been living in these dire conditions for the past 20 years of democracy. At least six households living in one yard are forced to share one pit toilet. The toilet ‘lasts’ for four months before it is full. The yards are already full.
Apparently, the owner of the private land has warned the residents not to exceed certain portions provided.
De Bruin said they demand the same VIP toilets provided to the Silahliwe Informal squatter camp, near Sicelo in Meyerton. We are governed by the same district municipality.
“We want the Gauteng MEC for human settlements, Paul Mashatile to visit the Joko Tea squatter camp. In Silahliwe, Mashatile made a promise to change the lives and build houses for informal residents.” When going to print, Sedibeng Ster was still waiting for comment from Stanley Gaba, Emfuleni municipal head of communication.
