Concern over use of public toilets during water shedding periods

Gibson Mhaka

CONCERN has been raised over the poor state of Bulawayo’s public ablution facilities which residents say are no longer fit for use during water shedding periods.

While the local authority has refurbished public toilets in some parts of the central business district (CBD) , those in high density suburbs remain a cause for concern.

Most of the toilets no longer have running water and functional washing basins and flushing systems.

Poor maintenance and irregular cleaning has resulted in residents shunning these facilities and choosing to relieve themselves outside.

Speaking during a recent council meeting, Ward 13 Councillor Frank Javangwe raised concern over the hygiene status of public toilets during water shedding periods saying residents had requested the closure of the facilities during water shedding periods because they were becoming a health hazard particularly during the rainy season.

“Councillor F. Javangwe raised a concern over the hygiene status of public toilets during water shedding periods. Residents had requested the closure of the facilities during water shedding periods because they were becoming a health hazard particularly during the rainy season. Contaminated water was flowing towards the vending stalls that were situated in that proximity,” the minutes read.

Ward 25 Cllr Mzama Dube did not support the closing down of public toilets during water shedding periods suggesting that alternatively elevated tanks could be installed to address water challenges and facilitate the cleaning of toilets.

Ward 11 Cllr Pilate Moyo also noted with concern that there was public outcry over the increasing number of pay toilets throughout the city.

 “Pay toilets were now more than public toilets and in the public eye it was as if Council was prioritising income generation than service delivery. He further highlighted that there was a need to ensure that pay toilets were serving their purpose,” further read the minutes.

Ward 21 councilñor Tinevimbo Maposa felt that the policy on pay toilets had to be revised and more public toilets made available.

He said Sizinda did not have any ablution facilities yet various social activities were being conducted at Sizinda Hall.