Online ReporterArron Nyamayaro
THERE is a rising outcry over the shortage of public toilets in Harare’s Central Business District, prompting discussions among residents and city officials.
Many are appealing to the City of Harare to increase the number of public ablution facilities, as the current options are limited and often come for a fee.
Stanley Gama, the head of corporate communications for the City of Harare, acknowledged the issue, stating that a resolution has been passed to increase the number of public toilets.
“The serious shortage of public toilets and the issue of street kids defacing public spaces have been noted with concern.
“The call for more public toilets in Harare’s CBD is urgent. Addressing this issue could significantly improve public health and safety for all residents, particularly vulnerable groups like street kids,” he said.
The few available toilets charge fees that many, particularly street kids who end up relieving themselves in corridors, bus terminus and bridges, cannot afford.
This also leads to public urination in areas such as bus terminuses, closed buildings, and parks.
Pedestrians have been forced to avoid footbridges due to unpleasant odours and sanitation issues.
Some have resorted to crossing busy streets like Julius Nyerere Way, risking their lives in the process.
One of the pedestrians Tutsirai, shared her experience:
“I had stopped using the footbridge to cross Julius Nyerere Way because of the unbearable smell.
“Council workers have been thoroughly cleaning the footbridge of late and lock the bridge over night.
“After locking the footbridge during the night, the street kids have turned to the walls as well as the fence close to the Town House.
“Street kids sleep close to the Town House and every veranda of the buildings have been turned into toilets.
“Instead of waking up street cleaners early in the morning, the City of Harare must look for a possible solution to address this challenge.
“We want more public toilets in the CBD.
“As we speak there is a private toilet operating under the footbridge close to Town House and charging for services rendered, we want an explanation,” she said.
A clothing vendor, Anna Kwangwari, highlighted the inconvenience of limited facilities, stating that the only public toilet available is often overcrowded.
“Public toilets remain a challenge in the CBD, if our city fathers can find a solution.
“If you fail to raise money for that week that means you have to travel to Charge Office where there is one public toilet for men.
“The other female toilet charges a fee, and it disturbs much if you rush and find women queuing there.
“Council is failing to stop some of their employees cashing on this situation and are making money through toilet paper being sold by the entrance of their ablution facilities,” said Anna.
One of the street kids expressed her displeasure over the charging of limited toilets in the CBD.
“We are being denied access to ablution facilities by the municipality and left with no choice other than to look for an alternative and convenient point to relieve ourselves.
“We have no money to pay for the toilets, we are also human beings, but City of Harare forces us to abuse their facilities,” she said.
