Harare resident takes legal action against City co...

Harare resident takes legal action against City council over public toilet conditions

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

A local human rights lawyer, Roselyn Hanzi, has taken legal action against the City of Harare over the deplorable state of public toilets in the capital city. Hanzi, who is also the Executive Director of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights has accused the city council of violating residents' rights to human dignity, a healthy environment, and freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment.

In a letter of demand addressed to CoH, Hanzi highlighted several issues plaguing public toilets in Harare. These include:

Lack of basic amenities: Many toilets lack functional flushing systems, sewer systems, and adequate water supply.

Toilet rooms are often filled with used toilet paper and lack proper cleaning.

CoH employees are reportedly demanding that users produce their own toilet paper or pay a "tissue fee" of US$0.50.

Some toilets are restricted to only urination, denying residents the ability to defecate.

Toilets often lack doors, compromising users' privacy.

Hanzi argued that these conditions expose residents to the risk of contracting diseases and violate their fundamental human rights. She called on CoH to immediately address these issues by repairing and maintaining public toilets, ensuring adequate water and sanitation facilities, and discontinuing discriminatory practices.

The human rights lawyer has threatened legal action if CoH fails to comply with her demands.