THE residents of Thembelihle informal settlements in Lenasia, south of Joburg are happy.
This is because they were able to celebrate Christmas after their toilets started working again.
The community has been without functioning toilets, which the City of Joburg refers to as VIP (ventilated improved pit) toilets, for four months.
Joburg Water, which is responsible for emptying the toilets, was only able to empty them a week ago.
Residents said they were denied basic human rights.
Resident Mandisa Langa said it was terrible and unbearable not to have access to toilets.
"We had problems with the toilets. They did not come and empty them, and it was hot, they stank and had worms in them," she said.
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She said that had changed, and the toilets were emptied, and life had improved in time for Christmas.
Mandisa said her children used buckets to relieve themselves, but some of her neighbours went to Trade Route Mall to relieve themselves.
“The mall will see less of us because we did not go there to shop, but to relieve ourselves.
Community leader Patrick Awu said the previous company did not do a proper job, so the toilets quickly became full.
"The difference I saw was that people were complaining about the company that was servicing the toilets because they were emptied halfway and that was why they filled up quickly," he said.
He said that people are now free to use their toilets and no longer have to walk into the bushes or to the mall.
Another resident, Tebogo Tsoenyane said they had been complaining about the toilets for a long time and were happy that his had been emptied, but there were other families who needed to be helped.
"My situation has changed since they have been there. Now I can go to the toilet unhindered when the children are playing outside because I am no longer afraid that the children will run to the full toilet and be affected,” said Tsoenyane.
Joburg Water spokeswoman Nombuso Shabalala said there had been internal challenges over the past two months.
"In region G alone, there are more than 20 500 VIP toilets that were dislodged when they are full. There are 15 sewage vacuum trucks serving the region. However, due to internal issues, only four vacuum trucks were in operation between October and November 2023, causing a backlog in emptying.
“The problems have now been temporarily resolved and all 15 vehicles are operational again. Please note, however, that the backlog that has developed over the past two months is affecting the efficiency of services. However, Johannesburg Water continues to provide water and sewerage services to the area," she said.
Daily Sun saw trucks driving in the informal settlement during the visit.
