KNYSNA NEWS - Hornlee residents are still frustrated with Knysna Municipality for not addressing the issue of leaking and defunct toilets which they say are yet to be inspected by the municipality – despite a council resolution almost five months ago to do so.

Over a period of two years, R12-million was spent for just 200 toilets in Hornlee, but more affected households have come forward with complaints of collapsing structures, rotting ceilings, leaking pipes, cracked seats, broken flush handles… the list piles up.

Monique Plaaitjies of Fontein Street said that when it rains the bathroom becomes inaccessible.

“There's a permanent toilet leak, and when it rains the ceiling leaks too, making it very difficult to even get into the bathroom,” she said. “We've reported this to the municipality numerous times. They say they will come to sort it out, but they never do.”

In previous reports, the most recent published in May, several residents expressed similar dissatisfaction, asking how much longer do they need to wait.

At the time, the municipality did not respond to specific questions from the Knysna-Plett Herald, such as why no inspection of the toilets has taken place yet, and the health implications as expressed by the residents, but opted for a short response stating that council requires a detailed technical report to determine the cost of fixing the toilets, and that the relevant department is "currently collating this report for council’s consideration".

The municipality was asked again to answer questions such as when will an inspector visit the homes in Hornlee, and if a breakdown of expenses amounting to R12-million for the toilets can be provided.

In response, the municipality stated that provision to rectify the issue of the Hornlee toilets has been made in the adjustment budget approved by council on 22 August.

“The relevant department is in the process of finalising the report as it has now received budget approval. The report will serve at the next planning and integrated human settlements Section 80 committee meeting scheduled for 9 October 2018,” the municipality said.

Read a previous article: Toilet mess: how much longer must residents wait?

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