Despite efforts to address the issue, residents say the situation remains a serious threat to their dignity, health, and quality of life.

In an interview with SABC, Mangaung Deputy Mayor Lulama Titi-Odili revealed the staggering extent of the crisis. “Botshabelo has the highest number of pit latrines, standing at 34,000,” she said, expressing concern about the inhumane conditions faced by many. 

Mangaung Deputy Mayor Lulama Titi-Odili, alongside municipal spokesperson Qondile Khedama. Photo: Facebook

“It reduces the dignity of people, especially females, as they could not even enter the toilets when they were full.”

According to Titi-Odili, the issue has been escalated to the national government. Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Pinky Kekana, has become involved in efforts to request funding from the National Treasury. “The municipality set aside money to address issues of pit latrines in Botshabelo, and work is already underway,” she added.

In 2022, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Itumeleng Ntsube, raised concern over the long-standing nature of the problem, stating, “The issue of pit latrines should have been dealt with a long time ago as it has a major impact on the health of community members.”

He highlighted the personal impact of the crisis, sharing, “My grandmother, who resides in Botshabelo, still uses a pit latrine,” and noted the inconsistent servicing of the buckets, which he said leads to “various negative consequences.”

Mpho Mahao, a resident of Makhale Sebata Street in the L section of Botshabelo, previously described the appalling conditions families are forced to endure. “Rainy conditions further worsen the conditions as rain also fills up their toilets,” he said, adding that residents have witnessed worms coming out of the pit toilets.

Mahao also pointed to serious operational failures at the local sanitation depot. “There is only one truck that is operational at the sanitation depot in Botshabelo,” he said, “with municipal workers who knock off at midday, which leaves us stranded.”

The frustration over sanitation is not limited to Botshabelo. In Bloemfontein, residents of Grasslands 3 staged a peaceful protest during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2024 Easter visit to Eagle Christian Church. Holding placards and voicing their anger, they hoped to be finally heard.

Khathaza’manyeamadoda Makandela (41), a resident of Ward 17, told OFM News that basic services have been non-existent for years. “We’ve been living in that area for 15 years without water, without toilets. 

“We’ve spoken to all the councillors, but nothing has come right,” he said. “Instead, we receive letters from the municipalities that we owe water payments, we owe service payments.”

Makandela said he tried to raise the issue personally with officials. “I went personally to tell them that we don’t have water and services, and the man helping me agreed. But the Department of Human Settlements indicated that everything was paid for and that the place is developed, but it’s not. 

“There is no sewage system, there are no toilets, there is no water.” His frustration was further compounded by what he sees as an inadequate response from local government. 

“Yesterday, we even went to a council meeting and were told the councillor will put in 300 toilets. We told the councillor we don’t want 300 toilets because we are more than 3,000 people.”

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh