Twalaloka residents not impressed with mobile toilets
01 April 2019 | Environment
Kuisebmond - Leandrea Louw - The approximately 2 000 residents of the Twalaloka settlement in Kuisebmond are unhappy about the fact that they have to share four mobile toilets.
It’s estimated that about 500 people are expected to use one toilet.
The Walvis Bay Municipality availed the mobile toilets last week to minimise the risk and spread of Hepatitis E, following an outbreak at the town.
According to the municipality, five laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported at Walvis Bay and the World Health Organisation (WHO) stipulates that this constitutes an outbreak.
Stacey Pabello from Twalaloka - where three cases of Hepatitis E have reportedly been detected - says the mobile toilets will contribute to the spread of the dreaded virus.
“These toilets tend to stink and do not flush. The municipality promised us toilets that flush, but now we get this? The municipality should rather assist us to get proper housing.”
She also pointed out that small children won’t be able to use the mobile toilets as they are at risk of falling into the waste buckets. “This isn’t sanitary. We cannot sit on someone else’s waste.”
Another resident, Nehale LyaMpingana, concurred saying the presence of the toilets poses a health and safety risk. “We requested assistance from council for better facilities while they are working on the affordable housing issue, but nothing has happened so far. Cleary this is not what we expected as the area is already serviced and they could have put up proper temporary, dignified facilities for us.”
The rental company that provided the toilets indicated that the buckets would be cleaned six days a week and its rental cost will be paid by the Walvis Bay municipal council.
Before arrival of the mobile toilets, residents relieved themselves in a hole they had dug themselves.
It’s estimated that about 500 people are expected to use one toilet.
The Walvis Bay Municipality availed the mobile toilets last week to minimise the risk and spread of Hepatitis E, following an outbreak at the town.
According to the municipality, five laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported at Walvis Bay and the World Health Organisation (WHO) stipulates that this constitutes an outbreak.
Stacey Pabello from Twalaloka - where three cases of Hepatitis E have reportedly been detected - says the mobile toilets will contribute to the spread of the dreaded virus.
“These toilets tend to stink and do not flush. The municipality promised us toilets that flush, but now we get this? The municipality should rather assist us to get proper housing.”
She also pointed out that small children won’t be able to use the mobile toilets as they are at risk of falling into the waste buckets. “This isn’t sanitary. We cannot sit on someone else’s waste.”
Another resident, Nehale LyaMpingana, concurred saying the presence of the toilets poses a health and safety risk. “We requested assistance from council for better facilities while they are working on the affordable housing issue, but nothing has happened so far. Cleary this is not what we expected as the area is already serviced and they could have put up proper temporary, dignified facilities for us.”
The rental company that provided the toilets indicated that the buckets would be cleaned six days a week and its rental cost will be paid by the Walvis Bay municipal council.
Before arrival of the mobile toilets, residents relieved themselves in a hole they had dug themselves.
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