Durban’s containers-into-ablution blocks project hailed as ‘excellent’
Durban has scooped the African Utility Week Industry's Municipality of the Year award for transforming shipping containers into communal ablution blocks for half a million informal settlement dwellers. eThekwini municipality's project‚ which has been implemented in 350 informal settlements‚ beat the City of Cape Town‚ Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality for the top prize.The awards are an annual event hosted in conjunction with the African Utility Week conference‚ which recognises power and water industry professionals on the continent.Identifying the need to address the inadequate water supply and sanitation services in informal settlements‚ the city designed a temporary solution by modifying shipping containers to fit two showers‚ a door for privacy‚ two flush toilets with doors‚ two hand basins and a small locked storeroom for cleaning supplies.Four washing basins are attached to the outside of each ablution block."Lighting is provided at night for the safety of the users‚ particularly women and children. These communal ablution blocks are connected to the municipal sewerage and water systems. They are located in pairs - one for women and one for men‚" said municipal spokeswoman Tozi Mthethwa.She said the solution was hailed by judges - who included former Eskom chief executive Brian Dames - as an “excellent project because it solved the problem of inadequate provision of water and sanitation services‚ created jobs and improved the lives of 500 000 people”.eThekwini mayor James Nxumalo said the municipality provided interim electricity‚ water and sanitation services to informal settlements as part of the city's plan to become to Africa’s most liveable city by 2030.“eThekwini has long enjoyed the reputation for being at the forefront of change - change for the betterment of our environment and improved quality of life for our citizens. The Municipality of the Year award bears testimony to our commitment to delivery services effectively and restore the dignity of residents living in informal settlements‚” said Nxumalo. – RDM News Wire, The Times..
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.