Residents turning streets into toilets

SOME people are turning streets in Harare into toilets and are urinating and emptying their bowels there.

Despite the presence of public restrooms and other facilities, some individuals choose to relieve themselves in public spaces.

These are the same streets where vendors are spreading fruits and basic commodities.

“It is embarrassing that people, especially men, are now peeing on the streets.

“We end up avoiding some streets because of the odor they produce.

“People should be enjoying walking on these streets, but you will be afraid to step on human waste, especially the Copa Cabana area.

“It is my wish to see the police and council working hand in hand to punish these people,” said a 68-year-old Gogo Masunda.

In as much as the city has implemented laws and policies that prohibit public urination, introduced fines and other penalties, it seems some people are not concerned by all that.

Enforcement of these rules can be challenging, and many people feel frustrated by the lack of action when they witness someone urinating in public.

“The responsible authorities should take action because this is a sign of disrespect for public spaces and for the community as whole,” said Lisa Maponga.

However, some residents blame the shortage of public toilets that are clean and accessible.

“The public toilets that we have are few as compared to the number of people who flock into town every day.

“We need more toilets, and the available ones are being closed earlier yet people will still be in town.

“This will lead to some relieving themselves everywhere,” said resident who only identified himself as Charles.

Some people however, blamed street kids pointing that they are also polluting the streets.

“Look at these street kids, they do not cooperate even when you stop them.

“They are hard cores, even if you clean and open the toilets for them, they will come and urinate outside the toilet and when you ask them, they threaten you.

“Yes, the toilets produce a bad smell because sometimes there will be shortage of chemicals to clean but that smell doesn’t give people freedom to mess the streets,” said one toilet cleaner.

-HMetro-