Diepsloot community appeals for support for water initiative

The community of Diepsloot Extension 1 has been dominating Twitter trends lists after images from its water-saving project went viral.

The project, that of the WASSUP Diepsloot organisation,  focuses on building sanitation facilities, repairing and installing water pipes and taps, and educating community members on water-saving.

The initiative was borne out of a student programme which focused on developing facilities in urban environments.

"During a community meeting, which was held at the beginning of the project, household waste and sanitation were raised as the two main issues by community members," said Jennifer van den Bussche, a director of Sticky Situations, which collaborated with the WASSUP Diepsloot project.

Van den Bussche said community members felt government was not helping and that relying on funds from the private sector could be inconsistent.

The public has been invited to a briefing by the community as progress on the initiative is released, including repairing leaking taps and burst and blocked water pipes.

On social media, images of the work that has been done have spread, as many vocalised their support.