The portable toilets that were placed on Kennedy Road in Clare Estate.
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Residents of Kennedy Road, in Clare Estate are voicing their concerns over the sudden placement of portable toilets outside their homes, citing health hazards and a lack of consultation from local authorities.
The portable toilets are believed to be for the use of the residents of the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement.
A resident, who did not want to be named, said their family returned from work to find about 16 portable toilets “lined-up” on the side of the road last Thursday.
“We were absolutely shocked as there was no communication with residents that this was going to happen. The toilets were just placed in front of the property. It was also placed at the bus stop, where people often wait for public or private transport.
“It was also done quietly because residents who were at home did not hear anything. It has been just a few days but the stench is already so unbearable. It is impossible for us to sit outside on our veranda, open our windows, or even use our front entrance without being exposed to an overwhelming stench. Our children cannot play in the yard either. This is a major health concern.
“While we fully understand the need for sanitation services in the informal settlement and support efforts to improve living conditions, the current placement of the portable toilets is negatively affecting our health, quality of life, and ability to live comfortably in our own home.”
Another resident added that it was a “disgusting and unhygienic” situation for residents to be living in.
“Imagine waking up every morning to not one but over 10 toilets directly in front of your home. We can no longer leave the doors or windows open due to this nature. We are living in poor conditions, yet we are forced to pay rates and for other services we don’t receive.
“We can't even sell our homes. Due to our homes being in close proximity to thw informal settlement, it has significantly decreased the value of our property. Furthermore, people don't want to buy property near informal settlements. It seems residents will have to just leave behind everything that they have worked hard to build. Sadly, some residents have already done this.”
Kavir Boodoo, chairperson of the Clare Estate Ratepayers Association, said the placement of the portable toilets was “unlawful, inhumane, and a serious threat to public health”.
“This situation reflects a complete breakdown in planning and respect for residents. While we fully support the provision of dignified sanitation to all communities, it cannot come at the direct expense of another household’s health, safety, and basic human dignity. The placement of these toilets directly in front of a home is both reckless and unacceptable.”
Boodoo said the association has raised serious concerns regarding potential violations of environmental health regulations, municipal by-laws, and constitutional rights.
He said this included the right to an environment that is not harmful to health and wellbeing.
“We must be clear - this is not simply a service delivery issue, it is a matter of rights. Despite urgent correspondence sent to the eThekwini Municipality, including the Office of the City Manager and the Mayor, there has been no response or intervention. The continued failure by the municipality to respond only worsens the situation and raises questions about accountability.
“The association has called for the immediate relocation of the toilets to a suitable and properly planned site. Should the municipality fail to act urgently, the association has indicated that it is actively considering legal avenues, including approaching the courts for urgent relief,” he said.
The eThekwini Municipality did not respond at the time of publishing.