Gauteng municipalities have pledged to provide basic sanitation to its citizens by 2010, the Department of Local Government announced on Monday.
Speaking at an event which marked the start of National Sanitation Week, Local Government MEC Qedani Mahlangu said that all municipalities in the province were working tirelessly to meet the 2010 sanitation targets.
"Although there are challenges, we are stream-rolling and fast tracking this programme," she said.
Water Affairs Minister Lindiwe Hendricks called on all those involved in providing basic services such as water, electricity and housing to work together.
"We are fully aware of the challenges ahead, but we need as a collective to work together to overcome these obstacles in order to realise the millennium development goals we have set for ourselves."
"We cannot claim victory until all South Africans have houses with electricity, water and proper ablution facilities," said Hendricks.
The objective of National Sanitation Week is to raise the profile of sanitation and encourage the municipalities and the communities to prioritise sanitation, health and hygiene.
National Sanitation Week runs from May 26 to 30.
Sapa / SAGN
Steuart has done some 500 talks on South Africa's progress since 1994 and SA's prospects for the future' 
