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DA installs water taps for Malahleni Informal Settlement

Malahleni Informal Settlement lacks basic infrastructure.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) visited the Malahleni Informal Settlement to install water taps.

The installation took place on Monday April 13.

Malahleni is the informal settlement situated along Klipsruit Valley Road next to Nancefield Hostel. 

Three water taps were installed on the day. Even though residents are happy with the installation of the three taps, a lot still needs to be done at the informal settlement.

The taps are situated at the entrance of the settlement meaning that people who reside at the other end of the settlement have to walk almost a kilometre to the fetch water.

Patrick Maswanganyi who is the committee member which represents the community of Malahleni said they are happy with what the DA has done for them but a lot still needs to be done for their area.

“We appreciate the taps and its better than what we had before, but it would be much better if we had another one at the other side of the settlement,” said Maswanganyi.

Water is not the only challenge faced by the people of Malahleni. Another major challenge is the lack of proper sanitation facilities in the area.

The area has 1220 shacks according to Maswanganyi.

Out of so many households, there are less than ten pit toilets which are all private and always locked.

“We are still trying to get mobile toilets in the area and the councillor has promised to help us,” said Maswanganyi.

While residents are waiting for toilets, their only option is to use the bushes surrounding the area.

Maswanganyi said: “I have my own toilet but many people don’t have them and are left with no choice but to relieve themselves in the bushes.”

Last year there was a case where one of the residents was bitten by a snake while relieving himself in the bushes at night according to Maswanganyi.

He said using the bushes is not only unsafe but also a health hazard especially for children.

Some of the few pit toilets used by the residents.
Some of the few pit toilets used by the residents.

@MzwaJourno

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