This, as mop-up operations continue in the Western Cape following fires that broke out in the Masiphumelele Informal Settlement late last year. 

Sisulu has alluded to water and sanitation challenges faced in many informal settlements across the country stating that her department is working hand-in-hand with the different provincial governments to address them. Her statement comes just months after OFM News reported on how the mushrooming of informal settlements in the Free State and North West has become a concern, coupled with the lack of adequate water and sanitation infrastructure.

According to the department, the high number of residents without adequate sanitation in the Free State is a cause of concern. A presentation by the department's Acting Director-General before Parliament last year has indicated how the two provinces alongside the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, were in much need of water and sanitation infrastructure.

It further indicated that while water supply is a great challenge in municipalities such as Maluti-A-Phofung, Ngwathe and Mohokare, the Free State is also plagued with a mushrooming number of informal settlements where there are over 10 200 existing bucket toilets.

In addition to water and sanitation challenges faced in informal settlements in the provinces, OFM News earlier reported on how a parliamentary report by the Basic Education Department has confirmed the high number of learners and teachers still subjected to the use of pit toilets in the Free State.

OFM News