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23 October 2007

The Gauteng Provincial Government has made significant strides in the eradication of the unhygienic and inhumane bucket sanitation system in order to achieve the government's commitment of "a better life for all".

This was evident during the visit by Gauteng Local Government MEC Qedani Dorothy Mahlangu and Lesedi Local Municipality Executive Mayor Busi Modisakeng to Slovoville informal settlement in Alra Park, Duduza in Nigel during the bucket eradication road show where 1 021 identified buckets were replaced with Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines.

The bucket eradication road show formed part of the Gauteng Imbizo Focus Week which started on 22 and will end on 28 to interact with communities. Mahlangu said the decision to remove all bucket toilets was taken during the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in 2001 where all countries committed themselves in providing people with healthy and hygienic sanitation.

"It was during the WSSD where nations took a decision to eradicate all the buckets world-wide. Thereafter, here in South Africa, under the leadership of President Thabo Mbeki we undertook to eradicate all the buckets in all identified areas.

"It is not only here in Alra Park where we have removed buckets. Significant progress has been made in Masetjhaba View in Ekurhuleni Metro, Merafong Local Municipality before it was moved to North West province, Mogale City, Bekkersdal in Westonaria and Evaton in Emfuleni," said Mahlangu.

In Gauteng 12 323 buckets were identified and replaced with either water borne, VIP or solar san depending on whether the area has been formally proclaimed as a township or not. Like Alra Park, the government's decision to install VIPs was based on the fact that the area has not yet been proclaimed as a township.

In areas such as Evaton in Emfuleni, Rietvallei in Mogale City, Masetjhaba View in Ekurhuleni and Kokosi in Merafong water borne systems had been installed since these are fully-fledged townships registered with the Township Board.

"We must all be happy and celebrate the eradication of buckets," Mahlangu said to a rapturous gathering in Mackenzieville Sports Complex in Alra Park.

She told the people at the gathering that since Alra Park was bordering two municipalities, Ekurhuleni Metro and Lesedi, a decision had been taken that the area would be ceded to Ekurhuleni.

"From 20 August 2007, Alra Park falls into Ekurhuleni. Therefore, Lesedi Local Municipality is not responsible. All the housing plans will now be addressed by Ekurhuleni, she said.

Mayor Modisakeng said Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa had pronounced in his budget speech that MEC Mahlangu had allocated funds towards the eradication of buckets.

"When we started in 2005 we ensured that we install water taps in the area. One of the projects was the eradication of buckets of which we are here today celebrating. We are doing things step-by-step and therefore the government will attend to other needs such as housing, electricity and installation of water borne toilets in future," she said.

Among throngs of residents who had gathered in the marquee was Albert Vilakazi who was part of the people who protested during the era of the bucket system who marched to the council and spilled waste from the buckets.

"It was a sign that we did not want to use these inhumane buckets. I am happy that after a long struggle our government has finally made good of its promise by providing us with healthy sanitation. It was a long battle because after we marched, we were provided with solar san which was also unhealthy and unhygienic as the stench was also too unbearable.

"Following the installation of the VIPs our live have changed for the better. Now all I need is a house of my own and I believe that the government will deliver on its promises like they did with the new toilets," Vilakazi said.

He urged other residents to keep their toilets clean. "It does not matter whether it is water borne flush toilet or VIP; we must maintain them and ensure that we use chemicals so that we live in a healthy environment."

For Vilakazi and other residents of Alra Park the phrase: "Water is life and sanitation is dignity" rang true during the Imbizo Focus Week.

For more information contact:
Themba Sepotokele
Tel: 011 355 5111
Cell: 082 490 9869

For media releases, speeches and news visit the Gauteng Provincial Government's portal at http://www.gautengonline.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Local Government, Gauteng Provincial Government
23 October 2007