JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — The South African Department of Basic Education has announced the eradication of pit latrines in schools, marking a significant victory in the country’s effort to improve educational infrastructure. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube revealed that over 3,300 schools now enjoy safe toilet facilities, a result of the 2018 Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) Initiative audit.
The SAFE Initiative, which targeted unsafe pit latrines, has seen 3,372 schools provided with improved sanitation facilities. This development is crucial for ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.
However, Gwarube also highlighted the ongoing challenge of an infrastructure backlog, now valued at over R120 billion. Despite the progress, she acknowledged the delays as frustrating and emphasized the need for continued effort. Amnesty International South Africa has expressed concerns about the remaining schools that are still using unsafe toilets, particularly those not included in the SAFE initiative.
The organization called for a fresh audit of all schools and called on the department to set clear timelines for removing the remaining pit toilets.
The SAFE Initiative’s completion is celebrated as a significant step forward, but it underscores the broader task of ensuring safe and dignified learning environments across the nation’s schools.
As South Africa moves forward, the issue of school sanitation remains a priority for both national and provincial governments.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: bombeleni_temp
