Public Toilets in Cities: The Invisible Infrastructure Crisis

By Siphosami Ndlovu

Bulawayo — The City of Bulawayo is proposing a US$200 fine for public urination, alongside penalties of US$50 for littering and US$100 for illegal dumping.

The proposal was discussed at a recent full council meeting, where Councillor Dumisani Nkomo raised concerns about lawlessness, saying trees and their surroundings were being used as public toilets.

The proposal was first reported online by Pindula News and H-Metro.

However, the proposed fine has drawn criticism from members of the public, many of whom argue that the city must address its shortage of public toilets before imposing heavy penalties.

While few dispute the need to keep public spaces clean, residents are questioning where people are expected to relieve themselves when accessible, functioning toilets are scarce.

Online comments point to a shortage of public toilets in Bulawayo’s central business district, which serves thousands of commuters, vendors and travellers daily.

High-traffic areas such as Fifth Avenue and Renkini Bus Terminus face particular pressure, while some businesses restrict access to their toilets and council facilities are reportedly dirty, closed or inadequate. Mayor David Coltart has also acknowledged that the shortage of public toilets contributes to the problem.

Critics argue that a US$200 fine is excessive in a country where many people struggle to meet basic living costs.

They contend that the council should prioritise building and maintaining accessible public toilets before introducing penalties that could disproportionately affect people with limited incomes.

The problem extends beyond Bulawayo. Harare’s central business district has also faced concerns over access to public toilets, including reports of unofficial attendants charging people to use facilities that are supposed to be free.

The Herald has reported on this informal pay-to-use practice, which can leave people who cannot afford the charges with few alternatives.

Beyond the inconvenience and indignity, inadequate sanitation presents a public health risk.

Poorly maintained toilets can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, particularly where hygiene and waste management are compromised.

The absence of safe, clean and accessible facilities also places a disproportionate burden on women, older people, people with disabilities, those with medical conditions and people without stable accommodation.

Other cities have demonstrated that investment in public sanitation can form part of a practical response.

New York City has long struggled with a shortage of public bathrooms, leaving residents and visitors heavily reliant on facilities in commercial establishments.

The city has explored innovative public toilet designs, including automated facilities intended to improve access, hygiene and maintenance.

Paris has developed an extensive network of public toilets, including free, self-cleaning facilities, with some available around the clock.

Tokyo’s Tokyo Toilet project has taken a different approach by engaging prominent architects to design accessible, well-maintained and visually distinctive public toilets.

The initiative demonstrates how thoughtful design can help make public sanitation facilities more welcoming and improve the user experience.

For Zimbabwe, the lesson is that enforcement must be accompanied by adequate infrastructure.

Bulawayo and Harare need to expand access to free public toilets, restore neglected facilities and ensure that existing ones remain clean, safe and operational throughout the day.

Authorities should also investigate reports of unofficial charges at facilities designated as free and establish clear rules on public access to toilets in commercial areas.

Local authorities could further explore partnerships with businesses, community organisations and other institutions to provide and maintain public toilets in busy locations.

In Bulawayo, this would mean prioritising transport hubs, markets and other high-traffic areas. In Harare, the council could combine improved maintenance with stronger oversight of existing facilities.

At smaller growth points such as Dorset, the relevant rural district council could work with community institutions, including Khayelihle Rural Library, and local businesses to establish and maintain a public toilet.

Such partnerships could draw on the community cooperation used to support services such as public Wi-Fi.

Public urination and littering should not be normalised, but lasting change requires more than fines.

Authorities must provide practical, affordable and accessible alternatives before expecting everyone to comply with sanitation rules.

The priority should be to build and maintain the necessary infrastructure, then enforce the law fairly and consistently.