Toilet saga masks complexities of sanitation challenges that rural communities face “WE HAVE to try to limit the number of flushing toilets being built before we can address the problem with treatment plants,” says a Limpopo community leader.This unexpected suggestion speaks volumes about the extent of the water and sanitation challenges that rural communities face. It flies in the face of government’s stated goal to eradicate the bucket toilet system and provide clean water and proper sanitation to many millions of citizens who still suffer dire living conditions.BOX: NDP: Improve infrastructure for local government servicesGOAL: Eradicate bucket system and provide clean water ISSUE: Treatment plants needed ahead of flushing toilets Requesting anonymity in order to protect his identity and relations with local and provincial government stakeholders, the call to limit flushing toilets is based on pragmatism. “In Polokwane, the main water treatment plant is overloaded by 500%. Govern...
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