Bulawayo closes public toilets amidst water challenges
In a bid to maintain sanity amidst water challenges affecting public toilets in Bulawayo, the City Council has closed some public toilets rendering them unsanitary as they cannot be kept clean without water.
Latest council minutes indicate that some public toilets in the Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding areas were closed due to water challenges amidst cholera and diarrhoea outbreak.
“The water shortage challenges forced the department to close some toilets as they would not be kept clean, when there was no water,” read the minutes.
According to the minutes several shop owners and vending committees operating near these facilities have expressed interest in taking over the operation of the toilets for their customers.
The minutes read, “In response to the closure, some shop owners and vendors committees operating close to public toilets asked to operate the toilets for their clientele.”
The departments noted that communities close to the public toilets could bring stored water from their premises to keep the toilets clean, a potentially viable partnership during the trying times.
However, it is noted that turning the toilets in the residential areas into pay toilets was not economically viable. In the past Council leased out the public toilets and almost all were handed back as the leases would not break even.
The Department of Health recommends inviting applications from business operators, vending committees, organisations, and individuals willing to manage public toilets voluntarily. Successful applicants will be granted zero-fee service agreements, provided they commit to keeping the toilets open freely for the general public. This initiative seeks to maintain hygiene standards while fostering community involvement.
On a different note, during a full council meeting Councillor Sandra Sibindi raised concerns about the number of sweepers in the Central Business District (CBD). She advocated for an increase in the workforce to enhance cleanliness.
Additionally, she urged residents to segregate waste properly. Some materials discarded in refuse bags are biodegradable and could be recycled or reused. The council should actively promote recycling and reuse practices within the city.
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