RESIDENTS and businesses are fed up with the stench of urine in parts of Durban, with calls mounting for the eThekwini Municipality to crack down on people urinating in public.

They say the problem is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, with pavements, walls, roads and other public spaces allegedly being used as makeshift toilets.

Durban resident and social worker Misgina Tesfamichael said public urination has become a growing nuisance, particularly for businesses along Helen Joseph Road in Davenport.

He described the behaviour as “antisocial and offensive”, saying it was contributing to unpleasant odours and unsanitary conditions.

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“Apart from creating unpleasant odours and unsanitary conditions, urinating in public spaces increases the risk of spreading germs and disease (public health threat); it affects public decency and the shared use of public spaces; damages private and public infrastructure such as walls, buildings and plants,” said Tesfamichael.

He said a recent video of a man urinating on a public road, which was shared on social media, had sparked outrage among residents who are now demanding that the City enforce its by-laws.

“Public Health By-laws classify public urination as a public health hazard and an illegal discharge that creates an unsanitary environment. Yet, people of all ages are doing this frowned upon illegal practice with no shame and utter disregard for others,” said Tesfamichael.

“Urinating in public places, such as roads, pavements, against buildings, walls, sidewalks, alleys, lamp posts, parks, and public squares has increasingly become a norm.”

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His concerns were echoed by Zanele Zikode, who said the behaviour showed little regard for other members of the community.

“They just urinate anywhere they want, it doesn’t matter if there is a family or a person walking past, never mind the owner of the property that they are urinating against. Durban is starting to smell like a toilet and the city needs to act.”

Enforce by-laws

Tesfamichael called on the municipality to enforce its by-laws and address the problem before it worsens. He said the problem was at odds with Durban’s ambition to become Africa’s most liveable city by 2030.

He called for tougher enforcement, public awareness campaigns and increased monitoring of known hotspots.

“Individuals who violate the City’s regulations must be subject to immediate spot fines, arrest, and possible criminal charges,” said Tesfamichael.

Municipality responds to crisis

Municipal spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila confirmed that they are by-laws against urinating in public and that offenders can be fined up to R40 000 or face imprisonment.

“A person found urinating in public may be issued with a Section 56 by-law fine of R500. In terms of Section 22(1) of the By-law, any person who is convicted of an offence is liable to a fine not exceeding R40 000, or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.”

He encouraged the public to make use of designated public toilet facilities and to respect public spaces. Education and awareness initiatives aimed at promoting proper sanitation practices, responsible use of public facilities and the cleanliness of public spaces have also been undertaken by the City.

Mzila said, “Through community outreach, sanitation awareness and broader cleanliness initiatives, the Municipality encourages residents to take shared responsibility for maintaining clean, safe and hygienic public spaces.”

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