The Mercury

The city of Durban needs to undergo a tremendous upliftment programme especially with regard to toilet facilities made available to the public. It was shocking to have read about the appalling and detoriating conditions of the so called public toilets in the city centre.

When money could be spent on the A5 grand prix and other events, likewise money should be spent on improving the basic amenities which is essentially part of the infrastructure of any place. It’s extremely difficult to find a public toilet in the CBD of Durban except for those recently installed, where the person’s face and feet are exposed to the public eye while urinating standing. This is grossly unsightly and of course unhygienic in terms of the overflow and stench as highlighted in your report. What do the poor females do in this part of the world?

It is surprising that the city health department who is normally active in combating health hazards have by-passed this one. While attention is focused on this, may I suggest that the Health Dept. also look into the standing water caused by the common washing of vehicles on the streets, at parking lots and taxi ranks? In many places, the tar has eroded due to the excessive flow and standing of water.

The authorities require to pay more attention to such calling needs. The building - and not simply placing the mobile toilets - is of utmost urgency.

Abdullah