Lack of public toilets: An urgent need

In the various cities of the country, in particular in Cotonou, public spaces welcome a considerable number of people every day. But the bad thing is that for the most part, these spaces do not have public toilets. What bothers visitors.

“We enjoy coming to rest in these public places, but the only problem is that when we want to relieve ourselves, we don't really know where to do it", these words are those of Yvon A. a student met at Place des Martyrs in Cotonou. This student from the Faculty of Science and Health is almost a regular at the place. He goes there to recover the necessary energy before returning home. Like the latter, visitors to these spaces face the same problem when it comes to defecating.

Pierre, in pressing need had to go to a private home not far from this same public square to satisfy himself. " A few minutes ago, I wanted to relieve myself and since the space does not have public toilets I went to a private home next door. It's a complicated situation.", let the latter know who adds “There is not even a urinal. Some would say that if it's just for this need, we can hide somewhere to do it.  Which is not good at all”.

It is therefore difficult for the users of these spaces to be able to put themselves at ease. The less civilized do not fail to free themselves in place when no one is paying attention to their movements.. To avoid this situation, some local residents propose to each mayor to find a solution to the situation.

“The problem does not only arise in Cotonou. It is almost in the whole country that the few public spaces are not equipped with toilets. The mayors of the different municipalities must think about it”,  specifies Elvire who points out that “in the big African cities the public spaces are maintained and well equipped both in seats and in toilets”. “If a public place is well maintained and equipped, we can turn them into economic hubs, as is the case in other countries”, adds Antoine.

 The problem of non-availability of toilets in public spaces is of interest to more than one therefore. In front of this situation, the reaction of the municipal authorities is awaited.

Firmin KASSAGA