‘Toilets a publicity stunt ahead of by-election’

THE DISTRIBUTION of 10 toilets in Samaria settlement this week has been branded a “political stunt” to win votes in the upcoming by-election that will take place in Ward 21.

The ward will be up for grabs after the DA ward councillor, Morné Mcdillon, resigned.

DA provincial leader Harold Mcgluwa said they became aware that Mcdillion was found guilty of a criminal offence on April 24.

“The party verified the information and informed Mcdillon that his membership had ceased in terms of the party’s federal constitution. He was afforded an opportunity to re-apply for membership of the party but did not do so,” said Mcgluwa.

He added that the DA would contest Ward 21 in the by-election.

“We will announce our candidate in due course.”

EFF councillor Pontsho Mocwana said they had been asking for many years for the Samaria residents to be provided with ablution facilities.

“Why are there toilets being handed out shortly before the by-elections? The ANC is trying to use the toilets to campaign. We will also be contesting the by-elections.”

He added that he was prevented from assisting with the distribution of the portable toilets by ANC councillors.

“I have a bakkie and I was willing to help the community even though it is not my ward.”

Mocwana believed that the residents should be provided with flushing toilets, running water, electricity and land.

“Ten portable toilets are not sufficient.”

The Speaker of Sol Plaatje Municipality,

Nomazizi Maputle, explained that the toilets were distributed in Samaria as residents were living in squalor.

“There are no basic services in the area and something needs to be done to improve their living conditions. The residents will decide where the portable toilets should be stationed,” said Maputle.

“The provision of toilets did not cost the municipality anything as they were relocated from other sites that no longer use them. They were disinfected and cleaned - I inspected them and they are in a good condition. They will be emptied twice a week.”

She added that she would speak to the executive director about more portable toilets and water tanks.

“The area is vast, where there are over 1 000 people occupying the area. The residents said they would keep an eye on the water tanks and toilets – so they are not vandalised or destroyed.”

Maputle believed that the EFF was also trying to score political points.

“It is a case of double standards. Why are they saying that they requested the provision of toilets when the community were living without ablution facilities for years?”