MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya pleased with pit latrine eradication progress in schools

LIMPOPO – Limpopo MEC for Education, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya has expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the eradication of pit latrines in the province and urged communities to support programmes aimed at transforming local schools.

MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya said government is making significant strides in reducing the province’s pit latrines backlogs with construction at an advanced stage at remaining schools.

“Infrastructure is about the dignity of the teacher, dignity of the learner and dignity of the School Governing Body when they walk into a school and find that the school is habitable. We want to say beyond just the pit latrine we want to make sure that when the educator leaves the comfort of their home, they find the same comfort when they arrive in our schools,” said MEC

She highlighted that out of the number of the inadequate pit latrines, the department is only left with nine that are under construction.

Marcus Mbombi, an SGB Chairperson in Mopani West district, expressed excitement that at the end, children will be safe with no pit latrines at schools in Limpopo.

The Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative has made remarkable progress in replacing pit toilets with safe and dignified sanitation facilities in public schools across South Africa.

With over 93% of identified pit toilets eradicated, the milestone marks a crucial step towards ensuring that all learners have access to proper sanitation facilities.

To monitor progress and ensure the eradication of pit latrines, Lerule-Ramakhanya continues to conduct inspections at various schools in the province.

The inspection is part of the department’s efforts to intensify monitoring and ensure that all remaining projects are completed on time and within budget.