Heritage Cases

Ntuzuma B, currently, does not have waterborne sewerage and that does not fully serve the basic needs of the community. As such residents are dependent on pit latrines and septic/conservancy tanks for sanitation purposes. In certain instances, the pit latrines and septic/conservancy tanks are constructed on rocky terrain and in close proximity to tributaries. This poses a pollution risk to the watercourse, as well as a health risk to the surrounding community and downstream users. The implementation of the proposed sewer reticulation development is needed to reduce the pollution risk posed by the pit latrines and septic/conservancy tanks. Therefore, the proposed development benefits not only the natural environment, but the health of the surrounding community.Furthermore, 740 properties will be serviced with house connections to sewerage reticulation since there is a need for sewer infrastructure to meet the demands of the current and projected population. Temporary job opportunities will be created during the construction phase. The implementation of the proposed development will ease some of the developmental challenges confronted by the Municipality, as a result of population growth. These challenges include the improvement of living conditions for the community involved, as well addressing the backlog of infrastructure service provision in terms of sustainable sanitation services. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996 and the Water Services Act 108 of 1997, specify that Local Government must ensure that all their residents have access to safe sanitation. The proposed project forms part of eThekwini Municipality’s aim to provide sanitation and fulfill the mandate of the Constitution and the Water Services Act. This in turn promotes environmental health, good hygiene practices and sanitation, and improves the community’s sanitation.