Maria David
OSHAKATI Mayor, Leonard Hango told residents of the town to build their own pit latrines and septic toilets as they should not expect the council to provide everything for them.
This comes after residents complained to the town council that they are facing an acute shortage of public toilets at the town’s informal settlements.
The resident then called on the town’s leadership to take their health and hygiene seriously by constructing more public toilets.
The residents also complained of poor sanitation and explained that they are often forced to relieve themselves at open spaces due to a lack of toilet facilities.
“People have now turned to the street to relieve themselves, as there are no public toilets at most informal settlements,” said Tangeni Simon, one of the residents at Onawa.
Simon indicated that community hygiene and public health are very important and the lack of sufficient public toilets may spread diseases.
“It’s very embarrassing to run to the bushes or open space just to relieve oneself. There is no decency whatsoever,” he said.
The mayor said the issue of toilet shortages was brought to their attention by residents of the Onawa reception who recently relocated there, but that the council isn’t in a position to assist them right now as there are not enough resources.
“We have provided them with water and electricity and every household should be able to construct their own toilets,” he said.
Hango concluded that they can also construct their toilets through the assistance of other organisations.
