Bongani Ndlovu
Zimpapers Reporter
THE City of Bulawayo has resolved to construct additional public toilets in the city centre as part of efforts to improve sanitation and curb open urination and defecation.
According to the latest Masiyephambili Weekly Newsletter published by the City of Bulawayo, the move follows growing concern over public health risks posed by inadequate ablution facilities in the city centre.
In the March Council agenda, the Director of Health Services, Dr Edwin Mzingwane, said access to clean and well-maintained public toilets was critical for public health, dignity and the city’s image.
“The existing number and distribution of public toilets remain insufficient, with some facilities either too far apart, in poor condition, overwhelmed by usage or understaffed,” said Dr Mzingwane.
He noted that the situation has led to increased incidents of open urination and defecation, particularly in sanitary lanes, open spaces and around informal trading areas.
Dr Mzingwane said the current setup in the CBD was characterised by a limited number of operational toilets, failing to meet demand generated by high daily human traffic.
“At present, there are 10 functional public toilets within the CBD. Of these, three are free facilities located along Fifth Avenue and Eighth Avenue, while the rest operate as pay toilets,” he said.
He added that eight of the facilities are Council-owned, while two — at Egodini Terminus and Pick n Pay — are privately owned.
Dr Mzingwane highlighted that the facilities were unevenly distributed across the CBD, leaving some high-traffic areas underserved.
“For instance, between 11th Avenue and 15th Avenue, there are no public toilets, while two facilities along 15th Avenue are currently closed due to their state of disrepair,” he said.
He also revealed that vandalism has further worsened the situation, reducing the effectiveness of existing infrastructure.
Outside the CBD, the city has 86 public toilets, but only 18 are operational, with the rest closed due to water shedding, labour shortages and dilapidation.
To address the challenges, the local authority has outlined short-, medium- and long-term interventions.
“In the short term, we want to increase manning levels at free public toilets. Currently, two pan-cleaners are responsible for both male and female sections, which makes it difficult to maintain required hygiene standards,” said Dr Mzingwane.
He said the city is also looking at leasing at least six facilities that can be converted into public toilets, while existing infrastructure will be rehabilitated.
In the medium term, the council plans to upgrade ageing toilets by improving lighting, ventilation and security, while finalising a Public Toilets Maintenance Strategy.
In the long term, the city intends to construct additional permanent facilities and explore public-private partnerships to enhance service delivery.
Dr Mzingwane said the council is also considering not renewing leases for privately operated pay toilets, with a view to converting them into free, council-run facilities.
“The provision of adequate public sanitation is a core municipal responsibility. Increasing the number of public toilets in the CBD will significantly improve public health, environmental cleanliness and the city’s image,” he said.
Council, at its sitting on March 4, 2026, also resolved to identify premises that can be used as free public toilets and to recruit staff to manage the facilities.
Londile Moyo