What was supposed to restore dignity in parts of Emfuleni has instead sparked outrage, with a sanitation project costing more than R24 million delivering communal facilities that residents describe as deplorable and already falling apart.
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements funded the project, which involved the construction of 30 communal ablution blocks in Evaton, in collaboration with the Emfuleni Local Municipality. Each facility is divided into separate units for men and women, each built with basic shack-like materials and equipped with three toilets, a basin, and three showers powered by a solar geyser.
Despite this, residents said the facilities fail to provide even the most basic level of privacy and dignity, with some refusing to use them altogether. While a few units are operational, others remain incomplete, locked, or have never been used.
In one instance, a facility has reportedly remained locked since 2024. Some structures flood when it rains, rendering them unusable and leaving communities without access to sanitation.
Each unit came at a cost of R815 000, with a total expenditure exceeding R24 million. The project forms part of long-standing government efforts to replace pit toilets and improve sanitation, a commitment dating back to 2015 when communities were promised dignified alternatives.
During an oversight visit, Kingsol Chabalala, the Democratic Alliance’s Emfuleni mayoral candidate, raised alarm over what he described as a deeply troubling outcome, stating that the condition of the facilities does not justify the cost.
“Today’s oversight revealed that the toilets are in a state of disrepair, despite the exorbitant amount spent on them.”
Chabalala said the party would escalate the matter to law enforcement, warning that the project raises serious concerns about possible corruption and misuse of public funds.
“It is clear that the levels of corruption and financial mismanagement within this ANC-led municipality have reached mind-boggling levels,” he added.
He said the outcome has raised serious red flags.
“We believe that this has the hallmarks of corruption because it cannot be that these simple corrugated toilets could cost over R815 000,” Chabalala said.
He added that the money could have been better spent addressing other urgent service delivery needs.
“With only R16 million from that R24 million, the municipality could have replaced about 200 transformers, which would have ensured that residents have access to electricity.”
Chabalala confirmed that the party intends to pursue criminal charges.
“We are going to open a criminal case… we believe this is a huge scandal that needs to be exposed,” he said.
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has, however, defended the project, confirming that all funds have been paid and the facilities completed.
Tahir Sema, the department’s spokesperson, said a total of R24 479 988.06 has been paid to the contractor and the Professional Resource Team (PRT) for the Evaton ablution facilities project.
“All 30 ablution facilities have been erected and completed.”
According to Sama, each facility is designed to serve between eight and ten households, with plans already underway for Phase 2, which will see an additional 150 units constructed.
“The 150 facilities planned under Phase 2 will extend coverage to a further 1 200 to 1 500 households,” Sema added.
But for residents living alongside these structures, the official explanations do little to reflect daily realities.
Tshidi Mokubung described the experience of using the communal toilets as deeply undignified.
“How can I use a toilet when someone is bathing right next to me? There is no privacy, no dignity. As a woman, it is uncomfortable. This is not what we were promised; this is inhuman.”
Others said they have abandoned the facilities entirely, opting instead to build their own toilets using basic materials.
“We are not using these communal toilets. We built our own with bricks and pipes, and they work better than this. When we heard that one-unit costs R815 000, we were shocked. How is that even possible?”
However, one resident noted that the only benefit of the facilities is access to hot water.
“The only good thing about these units is the hot water, that’s the only thing I use them for.”
Chabalala said the situation reflects a broader failure of governance, arguing that while residents continue to struggle with basic services, public funds are being wasted.
“Residents of Emfuleni are struggling with basic service delivery, yet the ANC-led government consistently chooses to prioritise the looting of resources that are intended to improve the quality of life of the community,” he said.
The Star
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