STATEMENT BY THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR OF CAPE TOWN, ALDERMAN PATRICIA DE LILLE ON THE JANITORIAL SERVICE FOR FLUSH TOILETS IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS

As part of this administration's commitment to building a Caring City, the City of Cape Town will be introducing a daily janitorial service for flush toilets in identified and qualifying informal settlements. This initiative is a first in South Africa.

The service includes the daily cleaning of flush toilets, standpipes and surrounding areas, doing minor repairs of flush toilets and reporting all instances where more extensive repairs are needed.

The programme will be implemented by 30 June this year. The initial roll-out will be implemented in areas where there are high levels of complaints regarding the cleanliness of communal flush toilets, as recorded by the C3 complaints system.   

The initiative has been introduced through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). More than 500 community members will be employed and will provide janitorial services and basic plumbing skills. They will also help educate communities on how to properly care for and utilize communal toilets.

The introduction of the janitorial service came about as a result of discussions between the City and the Social Justice Coalition. Through mutual co-operation and a genuine desire to improve service delivery, an innovative and practical initiative has been found.

The City will continue to engage with civil society and community organizations that are willing to assist in finding solutions that benefit all residents of Cape Town.

Statement issued by Solly Malatsi, Spokesperson for Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Alderman Patricia de Lille, May 16 2012

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