SHOPPERS, dealers and vendors operating within Bindura central business district have
appealed to the municipality to establish at least a single public toilet.
Those who spoke to Nehanda Guardian said they had been forced to utilize secluded places
within the town and the bushy area adjacent to Metro Peach and Browne to relieve in times of
nature calling.
Others are also using the open space behind Choppies and Masamvu Supermarkets to the
East.
Sanitation in public places is essential for hygiene and public health. Considering how busy
the town is, the lack of public toilets is a cause for concern to everyone.
The central business district is the busiest place in any town. It therefore has to be fully
equipped with public water points and ablution facilities.
Mavis Chakonza (25), a vendor near TM Pick and Pay, said as women, the unavailability of
public toilets has exposed her to a lot of inhuman acts.
“Men, especially urinate at any point they find, even behind trees, they do not mind our
presence, we are in very difficult conditions.
“They are doing their business everywhere,” complained Chakonza.
Back in the days, vendors plying their trade close to the supermarket had a free to use
ablution facility which has since been rented out to private players who charge service fees to
users.
Mayor Brian Kembo acknowledged the absence of these essential facilities.
He said: “Yes, it is true that we do not have any free to use public toilets at present since we
rented out the facilities to private players.
We used to have one at the open space facing TM Pick and Pay Supermarket, another one at
Matombo Monyoro in the CBD and another one opposite Bindura Bazaar close to
Matepatepa Bus Station.
We are working on how we can give them back to the community or maybe a private
operator who will charge reasonable user fees,” said Mayor Kembo.