By Tendai Chisiri
Commuters and transport crews in Kadoma say they are being denied access to basic sanitation facilities, despite transport operators paying city levies for services at ranks and bus termini.
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) says the situation strips public transport workers of their dignity and puts thousands of daily commuters at risk, especially women, children, and the elderly.
“Even transport crews are being denied access to public toilets, yet the rank is their workplace. This is very unfair and takes away their dignity as professionals,” PAZ said in a statement issued by its Info Desk.
Only two public toilets for the whole CBD
According to PAZ, Kadoma’s central business district has only two accessible public toilets: one in the CBD and another near the railway crossing at Waverly Farm, an area popularly known as “paWaverly” or “paJamaya.”
The only council-run pay toilet, the group says, is located across the busy Bulawayo Highway near the corner of Waverly High School — a crossing many residents describe as dangerous.
All existing public toilets are currently operated by a community-based organisation (CBO), not the municipality.
“The City is not moving with time”
PAZ accused the City of Kadoma of failing to match urban growth with basic services.
“The City of Kadoma is not moving with time. Transport operators pay for these services through bus vouchers and rank discs, but commuters and crews still have nowhere to go,” the statement read.
PAZ proposes two-tier toilet model
To address the crisis, PAZ is demanding the immediate construction of more public toilets using a two-tier model:
- Pay toilets for residents who can afford a small user fee.
- Free toilets for low-income earners, vendors, and vulnerable groups.
“They have rights too. That is our prayer as the Passengers Association of Zimbabwe,” PAZ said.
No council comment yet
Attempts to get a comment from the City of Kadoma were unsuccessful by time of publication.
PAZ said it will continue to engage council and transport stakeholders until the issue is resolved.
For more information, contact the Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) Info Desk on WhatsApp: +263 77 323 9688
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