Parents in North West are voicing their frustration over the provincial education department’s failure to provide safe and hygienic toilets in schools.
Their outrage follows the missed 31 March deadline set to eliminate pit toilets—an issue that has lingered since 2018. Despite claims that all pit latrines have been removed, many learners still rely on unsafe sanitation facilities, particularly at Phetlhu Secondary School in Magogoe village near Mahikeng.
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Reports show a troubling rise in the use of bucket toilets in the province during the 2022/2023 financial year. While some schools have flushing toilets, parents say maintenance has been severely neglected.
“We have three schools in our area, all struggling with poor infrastructure and filthy toilets. Officials need to come and witness the conditions our children endure,” said a concerned parent.
Another parent pointed out safety risks: “If students leave school to find toilets, they have to cross busy roads. That’s dangerous, and the school should be held responsible if anything happens.”
A spokesperson for the education department insisted that pit toilets have been eradicated and that schools now receive funds to maintain infrastructure. “It’s disappointing to hear some schools still face challenges despite support,” he said.
Still, many parents believe oversight is lacking. “We never see inspectors. Funds are meant to be allocated for renovations in April and October, but we don’t know how they’re used,” said another parent.
The lack of transparency and consistent monitoring continues to raise concerns as learners face daily risks due to inadequate sanitation.