Wild Coast Sun provides toilets to needy school

Sun International’s Wild Coast Sun recently completed a project to build two modern ablution facilities for Khanyisani Senior Primary School in Bizana.

The project started in January 2021. Like many rural schools, Khanyisani did not have proper sanitation. Over 180 learners and seven teachers had to share four old-fashioned pit toilets.

Sibusima Consulting constructed the new ablution blocks. One block has eight flushable toilets for students, while the other has two for teachers, and there are six basins with taps. The toilets are connected to rainwater harvesting and septic tanks.

School Principal Mthetheleli Njomi thanked Wild Coast Sun for its investment. “Toilets are not a privilege, but a right, and we are grateful to Wild Coast Sun for making it possible for our learners to use facilities with respect and dignity.”

A 2016 report into school sanitation by the Water Research Commission found that 6 783 of South Africa’s 23 589 education sites had only the most basic pit latrines, which are not considered an acceptable form of sanitation. “Even where new toilets are provided, they may deteriorate to an unsafe and disgusting state in a matter of weeks or months if not managed effectively,” the report stated.

“We are pleased that we could provide learners with dignity and help ensure their health and safety,” said Peter Tshidi, Wild Coast Sun’s ‎General Manager. “One child drowned in a pit latrine is one too many, and we hope we’ll be able to help the government in wiping out this problem.”