The Democratic Alliance in Lephalale will demand urgent action from the Lephalale Municipality to restore dignity and ensure a safe and healthy environment for the community of the Mahlakung Informal Settlement, in Lephalale.
We are sickened by the appalling state of the long drop toilets to which the Mahlakung community is subjected. Despite numerous complaints from residents, the municipality has failed to maintain or upgrade these basic facilities, leaving the community to suffer inhumane, undignified, and unsanitary conditions.
The long drop toilets are overflowing, and the stench is unbearable. The lack of proper maintenance and cleaning has created an environment ripe for the spread of disease. Residents – particularly the elderly, women, and children – are the most vulnerable and are forced to endure this indignity daily.
The dignity of this community is being trampled upon. It is unacceptable that, in this day and age, our people are still subjected to such degrading and inhumane conditions.
The DA demands that the municipality take immediate action to:
- Clean and maintain the long drop toilets regularly;
- Provide adequate sanitation facilities; and
- Develop a plan to formalise the informal settlement, including the provision of proper housing and basic services.
We will continue to fight for the rights and dignity of the people of the Mahlakung Informal Settlement and hold the municipality accountable for its failure to deliver basic services.