Cape Town: Residents of the Qandu-Qandu informal settlement in Khayelitsha have received the first 60 full-flush toilets and 12 taps. It was received as part of ongoing efforts to improve access to dignified sanitation services.
The handover forms part of broader service delivery interventions in informal settlements across Cape Town. Since the start of the 2025-26 financial year, around 4,158 toilets have been provided across various communities where it is legally and physically feasible to do so; especially in addition to existing sanitation infrastructure that is already in place.
As per the sources, R1.8 million project in Qandu-Qandu represents a significant milestone for the community. Their implementation required multiple approvals due to the area’s location within a wetland, which delayed construction until all environmental and regulatory requirements were met properly.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Water and Sanitation – Councillor Zahid Badroodien stated that the focus remains on ensuring every resident, regardless of where they live, they have access to dignified and reliable sanitation services where it is legally and physically possible to do so.
Cllr Badroodien said that they are pleased to have delivered this investment in Qandu-Qandu. He also urged residents to help in protecting these facilities by only flushing pee, poo and toilet paper; as anything else can cause sewer blockages.
The newly installed full-flush toilets are connected to the sewer network of the City of Cape Town. It is offering improved convenience, reduced odours and a more environmentally sustainable solution. They are also easier and more cost-effective for the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate’s Informal Settlements Basic Services (ISBS) maintenance teams to service.
As part of standard practice, janitors will be appointed from the local community through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to clean and monitor the facilities. They also play a key role in reporting maintenance issues, which are addressed through the City’s service request system.