Bulawayo City Council has been forced to close public toilets in the central business district and surrounding suburbs for fear of an outbreak of water-borne diseases as the city faces its worst water challenges in years.
Recent council minutes indicate some toilets were closed due to water challenges.
The minutes stated, “The challenges of water shortages forced the department to close some toilets because it was not possible to maintain their cleanliness in light of the water shortage.”
According to the report, some shop owners and vendors applied to the local authority for permission to operate public toilets for their customers.
“The administration indicated that communities near public restrooms could bring stored water from their buildings to keep the restrooms clean, a potentially viable partnership during difficult times,” the minutes said.
“Moreover, it is noted that converting toilets in residential areas into paid toilets is not economically feasible.”
The minutes state that successful applicants will receive no-fee service agreements on the condition that access to public restrooms is free.
On Tuesday, Bulawayo Health Services Director Edwin Mzingwane told the media that cases of diarrhea had been recorded at council clinics and the disease was now endemic in the city.
In 2020, at least 13 people died from diarrhea in Bulawayo at the height of another city-wide water crisis.
Mzingwane said the council is working on a plan to provide water to residents despite challenges in pumping water due to low raw water levels in the city’s supply dams.
In another matter, Councilor Sandra Sibinde asked for clarification on the number of cleaners in the central business district.
She also urged residents to separate their waste. Some materials thrown into waste bags are biodegradable. Some materials can be recycled or reused. Recycling and reuse should be advocated in the city. “More trash cans are needed in the central business district,” the minutes read. Newsday
