The IFP is shocked to learn that residents of Ethalaneni in Ward 04 in Nkandla, Northern KwaZulu-Natal, have no proper toilets; instead they use pit toilets.

IFP Spokesperson on Human Settlements, Mr Petros Sithole said, "After conducting visits to different areas under Ward 04, including Ebambisanani, eBuhleni and eNgwegweni, I was shocked to see that people are still using pit toilets after 18 years of democracy. These people have to dig up to make pit toilets for themselves. When the pit toilets are full they have to continue to make more pit toilets. It is shameful to see people in Nkandla without sanitation while President Zuma's residence is being renovated and roads leading to Nkandla and the town area are getting a facelift, all costing millions of Rands."

Sithole added, "Last year the government's rural household infrastructure programme was allocated R100-million to provide much needed services to rural areas. The Independent Development Trust was assigned to build toilets in 25 municipalities but still many people do not have proper toilets. There was also Human Settlements Development Grant that was allocated to provide services to the people but still nothing has happened."

"This begs the question of what has the IDT done for other wards besides the Nkandla building project. The Mvula Trust was also involved in providing sanitation services and it must also be held accountable including IDT for their failure to deliver services. It is unacceptable that 4000 people in this area are still using pit toilets," said Sithole

The IFP calls on the Minister of Human Settlements, Mr. Tokyo Sexwale to urgently intervene and ensure that the community of Ethalaneni is provided with proper sanitation. The Ministerial Sanitation Task Team led by Winnie Madikizela Mandela must be held accountable because its task is to monitor the provision of sanitation to the people.