Outapi tackles informal settlement upgrades
Mayor calls for improved sanitation
The Outapi town council is determined to address sanitation challenges in the informal settlements despite budget constraints.
The Outapi town council has prioritised the development and improvement of sanitation in its five informal settlements, according to mayor Selma Asino.
Speaking at the launch of the Olufuko Annual Cultural Festival this week, Asino said several development projects, including upgrades to clean water infrastructure, roads and proper network facilities, have been undertaken in all five informal settlements over the past financial year.
"Since sanitation is a burning issue, the town council has constructed toilets in all our informal settlements over the previous financial year," Asino said.
She added that the council hosted a mayoral fundraising gala dinner last year to raise funds to ensure the provision of access to sanitation in informal settlements.
More needs to be done
Last year, it was reported that 2 000 people live in the town's five informal settlements, of which only two have been partly serviced with water infrastructure.
Asino said council is not satisfied with the upgrading progress in the informal settlements.
"We are not reaching the target yet; efforts are being made, but due to financial constraints, it is difficult to provide sanitation services in the informal settlement," she said.
She added that funds are provided from the mayoral fund to assist the informal settlements, but more needs to be done.
Budget constraints
Urban and rural development minister Erastus Uutoni said he is aware of the importance of access to sanitation in informal settlements.
"We have a budget to address the issue of accessibility to sanitation, and we hope that this can improve the situation in the informal settlements," he said.
Uutoni appealed to residents to honour municipal bills in order for the town council to function and provide services as it should.
"Honour municipal services on time to assist town council in re-investing in the development of the town, especially the informal settlements,’" he emphasised.
Speaking at the launch of the Olufuko Annual Cultural Festival this week, Asino said several development projects, including upgrades to clean water infrastructure, roads and proper network facilities, have been undertaken in all five informal settlements over the past financial year.
"Since sanitation is a burning issue, the town council has constructed toilets in all our informal settlements over the previous financial year," Asino said.
She added that the council hosted a mayoral fundraising gala dinner last year to raise funds to ensure the provision of access to sanitation in informal settlements.
More needs to be done
Last year, it was reported that 2 000 people live in the town's five informal settlements, of which only two have been partly serviced with water infrastructure.
Asino said council is not satisfied with the upgrading progress in the informal settlements.
"We are not reaching the target yet; efforts are being made, but due to financial constraints, it is difficult to provide sanitation services in the informal settlement," she said.
She added that funds are provided from the mayoral fund to assist the informal settlements, but more needs to be done.
Budget constraints
Urban and rural development minister Erastus Uutoni said he is aware of the importance of access to sanitation in informal settlements.
"We have a budget to address the issue of accessibility to sanitation, and we hope that this can improve the situation in the informal settlements," he said.
Uutoni appealed to residents to honour municipal bills in order for the town council to function and provide services as it should.
"Honour municipal services on time to assist town council in re-investing in the development of the town, especially the informal settlements,’" he emphasised.
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