adminCourtney Matende Midlands Reporter
A health hazard is looming in Gweru’s central business district (CBD) after the local authority closed public toilets at the popular Mkoba commuter omnibus rank.
The closure has forced hundreds of people who used the rank every day to relieve themselves in nearby alleys.
Informal traders operating at the place have expressed concern over the closure of the toilets and water taps, which could result in an outbreak of water-borne diseases.
Fruits and vegetable vendors said their business required a lot of water, so the closure of water taps made it difficult for them to operate.
“People excrete behind the toilets or in the alleys close by, leaving their waste all over the place and it is very close to where we sell our fruits and vegetables,” said Ms Margret Sibanda.
A commuter omnibus driver popularly known as Marabha said the air at the rank had been polluted and it was only a matter of time before the situation exploded.
“This place smells very bad, the city council should re-open the toilets, it is now problematic for us because we have to use the alleys and some people go behind the toilets,” he said.
Gweru town clerk Ms Elizabeth Gwatipedza said council closed the toilets due to vandalism and theft of water taps, sinks and toilet seats.
Online Reporter