HWANGE’S Empumalanga residents, who are still using squat toilets, have been ordered to modernise their ablution facilities or risk being fined US$20.
This was revealed in a notice released by Hwange Local Board (HLB) spokesperson Dumisani Nsingo last week.
"We are hereby advising residents in Empumalanga that council police and the sewer task team will be moving door-to-door in an effort to identify households which are still using squat toilets. Last year the council called on property owners using squat toilets to replace them with sitting toilets," Nsingo said.
"However, it has come to our attention that some households are still using squat toilets, thus clogging our sewage reticulation system leading to recurrent blockages and bursts. Please note that those found using squat toilets will be requested to replace them within a month with effect from February 28, 2023. Those (who) fail to do so will be subjected to a penalty of US$20 or equivalent at the prevailing interbank exchange rate."
HLB in 2021 imposed a $129 000 fine for residents who erect illegal structures in its jurisdiction.
A council report noted that the local authority was concerned that many property owners were not complying with regulations and standards with regards to infrastructural development.
HLB town planner Themba Sibanda said: “However, we are receiving positive responses from builders and property owners meeting our inspectorate team, which emphasises on the need for compliance with the model building by-laws. ”
In October 2020, HLB embarked on an exercise to identify illegal structures and developments in residential, commercial and industrial areas to improve standards of buildings constructed within its locality.
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Sibanda added: "The council is, however, facing a challenge (of) historic infrastructural development anomalies. There are some historical development control issues in which we have been facing some resistance. Some property owners have been reluctant to comply, especially those owning shops in Empumalanga phases I and II areas.
"However, let me take this opportunity to warn such perpetrators, that their act of resistance is merely inviting stiffer penalties. Setting-up of illegal structures and developments currently attracts a fine of $129 000."
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