By Community Podium
Bulawayo Ward 9 Councillor, Donaldson Mabutho, has announced a US$187 000 allocation for the Emabuthweni Iminyela Redevelopment Strategy.
This project aims to address sanitation concerns and improve living conditions in one of the city’s oldest suburbs.
Residents currently face health risks due to a lack of proper sanitation facilities.
“We fear outbreaks like cholera,” said Bekithemba Ngwenya, a resident. “Sharing one toilet between four families is unimaginable, especially considering the city’s water challenges. We travel long distances to collect water from an abandoned pit for toilets.”
Nothando Ncube, another resident, echoed these concerns. “This has been an issue for far too long. Imagine 24 people sharing one toilet, considering the average family size here is six. The lack of locks and monitoring means anyone can use them, potentially leaving them unclean due to the water shortage. We urge the city council to intervene before diseases strike.”
Councillor Mabutho acknowledged the urgency and outlined the municipality’s plan.
“The Emabuthweni Iminyela Redevelopment Strategy, with a US$187,000 budget, has been developed,” he said. “While we don’t currently have the full amount, the allocation allows us to begin efforts to redevelop these areas. Our primary focus is ensuring each household has its own toilet.”
Mabutho further mentioned a potential solution for building materials.
“Emabuthweni residents received a brick moulding machine during their previous councillor’s term. I’m investigating its whereabouts to determine if it can be used to produce bricks for the toilets.”
