Promoting human dignity by eliminating pit toilets

Samuel Olehile

By: Samuel Olehile

For many years, members of our communities have been using pit toilets to relieve themselves, which has led to the spread of many diseases, such as TB. These unbearable conditions violate human rights and deny people their dignity. Matlosana municipality has prioritized eradicating pit toilets and bucket systems within our communities, but the process was halted by unknown factors. On July 11, 2025, the councillor of wards 3 and 4, Cllr Pelele, officially launched the reconstruction of outdoor waterborne toilets in extensions 9, 12, and 15. He was accompanied by ward members Lesego Cross and Nelson Papiki, along with consultants and contractors.

The project aims to refurbish and upgrade the existing full waterborne sanitation system, especially the outdoor toilet structures in these wards. It is scheduled to start in November 2025 and be completed by May 2026. Cllr Pelele emphasized that the primary objective of the oversight visit was to assess the project’s progress. He pointed out that one of the challenges is the backlog of pit toilets in the Matlosana area. He also stressed to the contractor the importance of involving local SMMEs from the start to the end of the project, as they have the potential to create much-needed jobs for local people. These initiatives should improve the living conditions of ordinary residents while providing employment opportunities for young people. The municipality officials should not only make these promises but also implement them, and community-based organizations like Justice and Peace should hold them accountable.