US$50 Fine For No Toilet: Makoni Council To Fine Villagers Without Toilets

Villagers in Makoni district who do not have toilets face a US$50 (approx. R920) fine starting 1 November 2025. The Makoni Rural District Council (RDC) says this measure is meant to tackle open defecation and curb waterborne diseases.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions from local residents, government officials and citizens on social media.

‘A push for sanitation,’ says council

Makoni RDC confirmed the fine and said the move is meant to promote hygiene in the area.

“The Makoni Rural District Council is taking steps to improve sanitation and hygiene in the area. According to recent reports, households without toilets will face penalties, with fines set at $50, effective November 1, 2025. This initiative aims to promote good hygiene practices and reduce waterborne diseases,” said government spokesperson Nick Mangwana on X.

The council believes the lack of toilets has exposed communities to avoidable health risks.

Social media divided: ‘Punishing the poor’

The decision quickly sparked heated debate online.

“Or government could just build for them,” wrote @abziwaya, echoing a widely held view that the fines are unfair given widespread rural poverty.

“Some households are too poor to buy cement for latrine construction. Pamba panenge paine just 1 round pole n dagga hut [Some homes only have a single round pole-and-mud hut],” added @maparables. “Can the gvt chip in nekuvaka zvimbuzi? [Can the government help by building toilets?]”

Others took a more sarcastic tone:

“Vatadza kupedza hurombo vavekuda kupedza varombo vacho [They have failed to end poverty but now want to end the poor],” said @Tayers0, noting that some people are surviving “nekunhonga svosve nemuromo [by picking ants with their mouths]”.

“Fining people for not having toilets is a real low for ZANU PF,” tweeted @zimwildwarrior, accusing the council of using poor villagers as a cash cow.

‘Good initiative,’ say others

Not everyone was against the plan.

“This is a very good initiative. Mines and farms all around the country must be primary targets,”
said @thom_brendon, adding that sanitation should be prioritised in all rural and semi-urban areas.

However, others questioned the practicality of enforcing such a fine without addressing deeper issues like lack of water infrastructure.

“Where is the water sir? Does that make sense to you?” asked @AfrikenBoi, challenging the government to fix broader sanitation systems first.

“Your people cannot afford to build toilets, and you want to penalise them instead of helping,” added @nkuna_alton.

The RDC has not responded directly to the backlash online. It remains unclear whether the policy will be adjusted before the implementation date.