R1-million ablution facility for northern KZN school
uMuhlathuze Water, in the King Cetshwayo District, is launching a new ablution facility at a needy northern KZN school to the tune of R1-million.
The toilet system at Nguluzana Primary School in Nseleni, near Richards Bay, was initially built for 127 learner but now they've expanded the facility to accommodate the school's about 1000 pupils and staff members.
Mhlathuze Water's Mthokozisi Duze says there're dozens of KZN schools still without proper facilities.
"We've got to make sure that we are rid of the buckets, and that we have enough ablution facilities to deal with the coverage of the users. In this case, Nguluzana Primary School has only had less than 20 toilets on site that includes one that's used by teachers as well.
"Issues of dignity could come into play in that regard. It is an undesirable state and we had to come in to ensure that we restore that dignity. We want to make sure that we restore that dignity," he said.
Duze says the new system includes a separate amenity for disabled learners.
"About 18 ablution facilities were shared by learners and the teaching staff. To date, I'm happy to say we have a total of 30 ablution facilities in Nguluzana. Thanks to uMhlathuze Water and its CSI initiatives in supporting this school," he said.
Yesterday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the Sanitation Appropriate for Education initiative in Pretoria. The programme aims to eradicate pit latrines at schools across the country.