dyton mupawaenda
Mutsawashe Mashandure-Herald Correspondent
Public toilets in central Harare are still closed in the midst of a cholera outbreak, with the city council putting up notices at the ablution facilities indicating this is because of lack of water.
As a result, most alleyways and dark corners in the city have been turned into “toilets” where vendors, people living in the streets, and commuter omnibus drivers relieve themselves.
The public toilets have notices on the doors reading, “Out of Service – No Water”.
For a city that is eyeing World City Status by 2025, the stench in the streets of Harare and the faecal matter in alleys present a scenario far from ideal.
According to reports yesterday, Harare recorded about 100 new cholera cases.
A survey by The Herald over the weekend showed that toilets located at Copacabana, Charge Office and Sam Nujoma Street were not in use as continuous pipe bursts render them unfit for use.
At Charge Office rank, people were entering the toilet despite the sign showing it had no water.
Behind the toilets are vendors selling fresh fruits and snacks, posing a threat to public health with possible more new cholera cases to be recorded.
A kombi driver who operates at the Charge Office said the council should provide free toilets.
“I used to know that public toilets were free, but surprisingly, toilets are going for 50c, and I cannot pay that money.
“My wish is that the city council should fulfil its duties by providing free toilets.
“To save my money, I use those pavements and buildings as toilets,” he said.
A vendor, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the council was taking residents for granted.
“These public toilets have been closed for quite some time because there is no water. The toilets are not even being maintained, and people are relieving themselves anywhere,” she said.
“I do not know why the council is hanging on to facilities that are not adding any value to ratepayers.’’
Another resident, who only identified herself as Mrs Gwasira, had no kind words.
“Council is not even apologetic.
“We are at risk of disease outbreaks here because people are relieving themselves in nearby bushes. After all, the public toilets are not working,” she said.
Tendai Mutero a driver at Copacabana complained about the room attendant, who charged them for tissue paper.
She said: “Even though sometimes they allowed us to use the toilet, they charged us $2 000 for tissues paper.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter