The lack of public toilets leaves parks defiled
Community Cleaners say installing public toilets might not solve the problem as faith in local government to maintain and clean them is lacking.
Public parks should be places of community outdoor recreation and activity, yet many are marred by litter and human waste.
Not only does this make them unpleasant to visit but faeces is also a public health issue.
The Community Cleaners, based in Fairland and surrounding areas, are a group of volunteers who gather every weekend to clean parks and shared open areas.
Dealing with human excrement has, however, become a nightmare for them as they work to restore their parks to treasured spaces for families to enjoy.
Hugo Erasmus, a founder of the non-profit says, “It is absolutely disgusting, but I am not sure what we can do about it as there are no public toilets for people to use.”
Alton Rankin, regional manager of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo for Region B, said, “Addressing the lack of public toilets requires a multifaceted approach involving collaboration between local authorities, community organisations, businesses, and concerned citizens. By working together, it’s possible to find practical and sustainable solutions to ensure the well-being and dignity of all community members.”
Communities can apply to have ablution facilities installed in public spaces.
“We can also explore the possibility of implementing mobile toilet facilities, such as portable toilets in areas where permanent infrastructure might not be feasible. These can be strategically placed in areas with high foot traffic or near public parks local businesses, community centres, and so on to provide accessible facilities for all needing these.”
André Swanepoel, another founding member of the Community Cleaners, said when asked about the feasibility of petitioning the city to instal public toilets, “Nice idea, but not practical with our current state of service delivery in South Africa.
“If they were installed, who would clean and maintain them, would it be City Parks or the local community? Toilets need to be cleaned and maintained daily with toilet paper provided and cleaning materials supplied. I don’t see how this would be possible and it might encourage more homeless into the area, which brings other problems.”
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