NYANDENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY – OR Tambo District Municipality executive mayor, Mesuli Ngqondwana, handed over more than 500 sanitation units to three villages in the Nyandeni Local Municipality area as part of the municipality’s efforts to restore dignity and health and sanitation.
The project commenced in March and was completed on August 5. Municipal spokesperson, Ncebakazi Kolwane, responding to questions from Mthatha Express, said a total of 545 VIP toilets were constructed at a cost of more than R2 million.
“The project benefited households in Mathayi, Mpindweni and Ndonga villages. All units are in-yard toilets, not communal. The toilets are double-pit Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) toilets,” she said.
While the project sought to restore the dignity of the families in the named villages, the construction of the toilets created 43 local job opportunities during implementation.
“While no SMMEs were directly contracted due to the nature of the project, 50 participants received non-accredited training in workforce readiness, social and life skills and anti-drug awareness. Additionally, two participants completed accredited welding training at Border Training Centre and will be supported with start-up toolkits,” Kolwane said.
The total cost of the project, Kolwane said, was R2.1 million.
“For the Municipality, projects of this nature are a direct investment in restoring dignity, improving health and sanitation, and ensuring safe living conditions for our communities.
“This initiative forms part of the Municipality’s broader mandate to expand access to basic services, while at the same time contributing to skills transfer and socio-economic empowerment within local communities,” Kolwane said.
