Monday, May 31, 2010

Makhaza residents take to the streets over toilets

Several Makhaza residents believe their basic rights have been violated with the temporary removal of open-air toilets.

Metro police officials broken down about 65 un-enclosed toilet structures on Monday morning - a move that angered the Khayelitsha.

A group of about 500 people took to the streets in protest to voice their dissatisfaction.

Last week, ANC Youth League members trashed the toilets after the City of Cape Town attempted to erect enclosures around them.

Andiswa Ngabi said the fact that their toilets have been taken away is something that makes the community unhappy.

“We are not happy. We are complaining about toilets without covers. Now, instead of doing what we want, they just take off the toilets. We’re feeling that government destroyed us.”

Another resident from the area said the destruction of the toilets was not the only issue angering them.

“There is a lack of service delivery; electricity, toilets, water,” said Nobulumko Cabe.

But Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato believes the toilet debacle is a political ploy motivated by the youth league.

“In this instance I cannot understand why the broader community [and] their leadership can’t bring the ANC Youth League to book.”

But ANCYL spokesperson Chumile Sali believes the city could have done a better job of informing the residents about their plan to take down the toilets.

“We are convinced that what happened today is a result of a failure to act when you lodge a complaint against the city council. And also the city council, which is led by the racist DA, is undermining the dignity of people living in Makhaza.”

- Eyewitness News

No comments: