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Johannesburg Water is to spend R21 million to install VIP toilets to informal settlements in the South of Johannesburg.
The target for this financial year is to install 2290 Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) toilets in various informal settlements around the city. Currently Johannesburg Water has started installing 400 VIP in Drieziek Ext 5 and will be moving to Lawley to install 500 and 420 in Meriting as well as add abluition blocks in the Zamimpilo informal settlement.
These VIP toilets will be replacing the old Chemical toilets that the residents were using, where they shared one chemical toilet amongst 7 households. These chemical toilets needed to be de-sludged on a daily basis, they did not have ventilation and were not easy to use for children.
VIP toilets are installed in each household, they come with a ventilation system which assists with reducing odour. A hole that is 1.2 meters deep is dug before the toilet is installed to ensure that the toilet does not need to be de-sludged on a daily basis. In fact it can take up to a year before a VIP toilet needs to be de-sludged depending how many people live in that household. These toilets also come with a potty seat that is suitable for children to use, a hand washing basin and users are able to lock the toilet after each use for security.
Before the project is handed over to the community, Johannesburg Water will be teaching the residents about the proper use of these sanitation facilities. These concrete slab structures , will provide dignity and improve the lives of these residents.
JW is committed to provide quality water and sanitation services to all and we hope members of the communities will protect the infrastructure provided and ensure its longevity.
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Media enquiries:
Cllr Nico de Jager
MMC: Environment and Infrastructure Services Department
083 899 2127
NicoDe@joburg.org.za
Mr. Isaac Dhludhlu
Manager: Marketing and Communications
T: +27 (0) 11 688 1577
M: +27 (0) 72 638 5346
E: Isaac.dhludhlu@jwater.co.za
