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The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements supports the announcement by Minister Tokyo Sexwale that he will appoint a national task team to investigate recurring complaints that local government has failed to provide enclosed toilets in poor communities. This is a positive step forward in efforts to close the chapter of toilets with dignity and we call on parties to avoid politicising the issue of service delivery.

The Committee further recommends that the Task Team also investigate the allegations of toilets being sold in Harrismith. It is also questionable why these toilets were erected before the houses were built. We call on all communities who are experiencing problems related to the provision of decent sanitation to provide more information to the public representatives deployed in their areas, in an endeavour to support and fast track the investigation.

Action should be taken against those found responsible for recurring complaints for open toilets. The Portfolio Committee will support the Task Team in its investigation in all the provinces, and recommends that the investigations are undertaken without delay, to ensure the accelerated provision of basic sanitary services to the poorest of the poor.