The goal of sanitation coverage is to enable and improve human health by offering protection against faecal-oral exposure. Insufficient knowledge of hygiene levels within Community Ablution Blocks (CABs) coupled with individual and community behavioural determinants could potentially increase the risk for sanitation-related disease transmission. The risk for diarrhoeal disease transmission from shared sanitation is well known. This risk is thought to be primarily posed by the contamination of contact surfaces within these shared facilities with potentially pathogenic microorganisms. This project used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to determine the potential of the CABs within informal settlements in the eThekweni Municipality (KwaZulu-Natal) to contribute to diarrhoeal disease transmission through contamination with potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Metagenomics was used to characterise the microbial communities on key contact surfaces within CABs in two informal settlements. This was followed by an in-depth study to determine the concentration of Escherichia coli (E. coli) on these surfaces, serving as input data for the Quantitative Microbial Risks Assessment (QMRA). The QMRA approach was used to determine the probable risks of diarrhoea due to contact with these surfaces. In addition to the microbial studies, the general hygiene and safety conditions around the CABs were also determined. Challenges faced by caretakers of these CABs in the daily cleaning and maintenance of these facilities was also assessed. This report details the results of the study including findings and recommendations on how risks associated with the use of CABs can be monitored.