Public toilets in Harare have long been an essential yet often overlooked component of the city’s infrastructure. Once functional and accessible, these facilities are now entangled in a web of neglect, informal control, and public dissatisfaction. Touts and street children have unofficially taken over many of these facilities, imposing arbitrary “service fees” on users.

Informal Occupation and Arbitrary Fees

Individuals have assumed control over public toilets in various parts of Harare, particularly in Mbare and the Central Business District (CBD). These individuals often touts or street children, “manage” these spaces, charging fees that range from $10 ZWG (approximately USD $0.25) in Mbare to $20 ZWG (USD $0.50) in the CBD. Despite the visible presence of municipal police, these touts continue unabated, raising questions about the involvement or negligence of city authorities.

This phenomenon is not limited to public toilets. Informal control extends to parking spaces in downtown Harare and neighbourhood streets. In some areas, touts charge kombi operators for passage through their territories, creating a parallel system of authority that thrives on the lack of formal governance.

The Historical Decline of Public Toilets

Harare’s public toilets were once a testament to urban planning and public health consciousness. Strategically located at bus termini and major public spaces, they offered clean and functional facilities for city residents and visitors. However, years of neglect and lack of maintenance have left these structures in a deplorable state. The current condition of most public toilets in Harare is characterised by broken fixtures, overflowing sewage, and overpowering odours, rendering them health hazards rather than safe spaces for relief.

A report from the Zimbabwe Independent highlights the additional issue of vendors using these facilities as storage spaces, exacerbating the hygiene crisis and limiting access for legitimate users. This dual misuse by informal operators and vendors underscores the systemic failures in urban management.

Limited Alternatives for Residents

With public toilets in disrepair and subject to informal control, residents have few alternatives. Fast-food chains like Simbisa Brands offer some respite, as customers can access relatively clean facilities upon making a purchase. However, this option is not feasible for everyone, especially those with limited disposable income. As a result, many are left with no choice but to use the “managed” public toilets, perpetuating the cycle of informal occupation and exploitation.

The Broader Implications

The situation extends beyond inconvenience to broader issues of urban governance, public health, and economic inequality. The lack of accessible, sanitary public toilets disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the elderly. It also raises the risk of outbreaks of waterborne diseases, as the unhygienic conditions foster the spread of pathogens.

Additionally, the informal control of public spaces undermines the authority of municipal institutions. The apparent inaction of the Harare City Council (HCC) suggests either complicity or incapacity, both of which erode public trust. A report from NewZimbabwe.com reveals that the HCC itself has been embroiled in scandals related to pay toilets, further highlighting the governance challenges.

Towards Sustainable Solutions

To address this issue, a multi-pronged approach is required:

Infrastructure Rehabilitation: The HCC needs to prioritise the repair and maintenance of public toilets. Adequate funding and transparent tender processes are essential to ensure that these facilities meet basic hygiene standards.
Formal Management Systems: Public-private partnerships could provide a viable model for managing public toilets. Transparent contracts with reputable companies can ensure accountability and consistent service delivery.
Community Engagement: Residents should be involved in decision-making processes related to public facilities. Community-driven initiatives can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Enforcement of Regulations: The HCC must enforce regulations against informal occupation and misuse of public spaces. This includes cracking down on illegal activities by touts and vendors.
Awareness Campaigns: Public education on the importance of hygiene and the proper use of facilities can help reduce misuse and promote collective responsibility.

The plight of Harare’s public toilets is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing urban management in Zimbabwe. While touts and street children have filled a vacuum left by municipal failures, their activities underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms. By investing in infrastructure, enforcing regulations, and fostering community engagement, Harare can reclaim its public spaces and restore dignity to its residents.

This issue is not merely about toilets; it is about the kind of city Harare aspires to be—a city that values its citizens’ well-being, upholds public health standards, and demonstrates effective governance. The time for action is now before the situation spirals further into crisis.