A resident who has been residing in Pabalelo for some time, Caroline Irion, said promises have been made to them that the bucket system will be eradicated, however, the promise is still unfulfilled. 

Residents in the town have been using pit toilets since Pabalelo was established. The only residents who do not make use of the bucket system are those who have built their houses with bricks. Driving into the town, you are welcomed by paving, and many shiny shacks. In the yards of the shiny shacks, you will find the pit toilets in question. Irion explains that she has dug her own hole for her to use because in the section she lives in they were never given buckets.

It is also understood that those who have been given buckets only get one bucket per household. It has also been alleged that the buckets get emptied by the municipality only after at least three weeks. Due to the duration that the municipality takes to empty the buckets, some residents take it upon themselves to empty the bucket in the open space near the residential area, which in turn causes a bad atmosphere for the entire residential area.

ALSO READ: Pit toilets in schools under scrutiny

Pit toilets have been placed in the spotlight for a few years, especially at schools. 

In Bloemfontein, the National Department of Basic Education said in 2021 work is under way to eradicate pit toilets. 

The department confirmed about 3 898 schools were dependent on pit toilets and the scope of work now stands at 2 753. The department said it is working on measures to accelerate the provision of adequate sanitation facilities through the Sanitation Appropriate For Education (SAFE) initiative. It is further confirmed that the bulk of pit latrines in schools are found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and the Free State. The statement by the department comes after Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga told OFM News they plan to have all pit latrines eradicated by the end of 2022.

It remains unclear if the above has been delivered by the department. Residents in Pabalelo made no mention of pit toilets being found at the school in the area.

OFM News