80% of Bulawayo public toilets out of order

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has revealed that approximately 80 percent of public toilets in the city are non-functional and have been closed, leaving residents with limited sanitation options and raising health concerns.

A BCC report indicated that five years ago, the city had 97 blocks of public toilets, but the majority have since been shut down due to vandalism and insufficient funding for maintenance. Residents, however, continue to use some of these closed facilities, despite non-functioning flushing systems, exposing themselves to potential disease outbreaks.

The council acknowledged its limited resources, which have hindered efforts to maintain and upgrade the facilities. Several councillors have urged the council to prioritise the revival of public toilets, particularly in high-density areas, amid ongoing water supply challenges.

Ward 12 Councillor Muziwakibo Masuku highlighted the risks posed by broken-down toilets, noting that flies and unsanitary conditions are prevalent in areas like Malaba and Masunda Shopping Centres, as well as Desert Grounds in Njube. "Does council have any strategy to repair these toilets?" he asked during the latest council session.

Ward 16 Councillor Greater Gumede raised concerns about public toilets at Maplanka Shopping Centre, questioning whether the 2025 council budget included provisions for repairs. She noted that, despite budget approval, no repairs have yet been carried out.

Ward 24 Councillor Tavengwa Zidya pointed to public toilets at Umvutsha Cemetery, which remain non-functional, posing health risks to mourners and nearby residents. He also highlighted vandalism as a major issue, citing incidents such as a commuter omnibus operator turning an area along 15th Avenue into an illegal car wash after damaging a council hydrant.

"The council must conduct regular inspections to monitor water and sanitation systems," Clr Zidya said, emphasizing the need to protect infrastructure from misuse.

Councillor Perseverance Nyathi raised concerns about council spaces being converted into illegal food courts by street vendors, particularly in the central business district (CBD). He noted that cooked meat and dairy products are being sold from car boots and other improvised setups, creating further public health risks.

The council has announced ongoing upgrades to the Mzingwane Pump Station in a bid to address the city's persistent water challenges, which include prolonged water cuts in high-lying suburbs such as Cowdray Park, Pumula, and Magwegwe, where residents receive water for only a few hours each week.

With public sanitation and water infrastructure under strain, councillors are calling for urgent interventions to prevent health crises and restore functional public amenities across the city.