Fairyland toilets a shocker
2011-05-12
DESPITE its pretty name, Fairyland in Paarl is a terrible place to live, say residents. They have expressed their anger at the poor condition of toilets in this area, where thousands of people live in shacks, waiting for formal homes. Blocks of toilets have been erected by the Municipality, inside container-type buildings, but the doors and cisterns have been stolen and sometimes even the toilet bowl. As a result, the water to the toilets has been cut off. Any resident who wishes to use a toilet, has to bring a bucket, fill it at a tap outside, and take water to the toilet to flush it. Many do not bring water to rinse the toilet, but simply leave the toilet soiled. The toilets are serviced daily by six unemployed community members, who are paid a fee by the Municipality, but cannot cope with the conditions. No wonder residents prefer to use the clean cement slab behind the toilets, especially at night, a resident remarked. “Often a tap breaks and runs non-stop for two weeks, before it is fixed by the Municipality,” says a resident, Mohammad Sikondo. “Another problem is refuse which blocks drains. They are only cleaned on weekdays, so if there is a problem over weekends nothing is done. This place is endangering our health.” According to municipal spokesperson May Carolissen, repairs and maintenance are done regularly. Security was to be deployed in Fairyland this week to deal with the theft. “We ask community members to look after the facility and prevent vandalism.” Phone 021-807-4500, 021-862-2557 or 021-872-2323 to report breakages.
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