Mozambique: Improvised toilets in the city of Maputo – report

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Mozambique: Improvised toilets in the city of Maputo – report

3:22 CAT | 12 Aug 2024

Image: O País

The lack of public toilets in the city of Maputo has given rise to a new business. Some people have set up buckets on the public road for biological needs, charging money for the convenience. The city council says it is unaware of the phenomenon.

These improvised toilets can be seen in several parts of Maputo, using buckets and bottles as receptacles and pieces of cloth to give users some privacy. The situation results from a lack of public toilets for distressed residents.

“Conditions do not help, because we who are here doing the work have no alternative. Life forces us to do this,” said one citizen.

Along Avenida Guerra Popular, for example, there are several such improvised facilities putting public health at risk. Enterprising young people have found a way to make money through this business.

“We are putting these buckets out because people who are selling on the road have to go to the bathroom, and there are no bathrooms on this road. So, people can use these buckets and then pay five meticais,” said one improvised-toilet owner.

In addition to being a danger to public health, residents in the area complain about the strong odour emanating from the toilets, forcing them to keep their windows closed at all times.

“It’s a very strong smell. I can’t understand how people can stop and urinate normally in the middle of such a busy avenue, as if they were actually in a bathroom,” one resident complained.

The situation is out of control, but the municipal authorities maintain they are unaware of the issue.

“This is a situation that is being portrayed, though the municipal police have never come across this type of case. But we will check it out, and if this situation is indeed occurring, we will raise awareness among the owners of these establishments,” said Arsénia Miambo, spokesperson for the municipal police.

In short, life goes on in the Mozambican capital, in the face of severe public health risks.

Source: O País