Harare Residents Slam 100% Increase In Public Toilet Charges
The City of Harare is under fire after it doubled the cost of using public toilets from US$0.50 to US$1.00 (approx. R18.50). The move has sparked widespread criticism from civil society groups and residents, who say the increase is unfair, especially for women and girls.
The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) issued a stinging rebuke on Tuesday, describing the hike as a “unilateral and gender-blind” decision.
“Alert! The unilateral gender-blind decisions made by Harare City Council torment women. The increase of pay toilet user fees from US$0.50 to US$1.00 has seen the emergence of long queues at ‘free’ women’s public toilets in the CBD,” said CHRA in a statement.
‘A dignity crisis for women’
According to CHRA, the decision disproportionately affects women who often require more frequent access to toilets due to menstruation, pregnancy, and caregiving responsibilities.
Reuben Akili, director of CHRA, said the situation was not just about affordability but also about dignity.
“This move is anti-poor and out of touch with the realities of daily life for many Harareans. Access to clean, safe, and affordable public toilets is not a luxury—it is a necessity,” he told reporters.
Long queues have been reported at the few remaining free public toilets in the central business district, with some women forced to wait for hours or resort to unsafe alternatives.
Bribery allegations emerge
Further outrage has been fuelled by reports that some toilet attendants are exploiting the situation for personal gain. According to CHRA, certain attendants are allegedly locking toilets and demanding bribes from desperate users.
“Public toilet cleaners are reportedly closing facilities as a strategy to solicit for bribes. This is deeply disturbing and unethical, especially given that sanitation is a basic human right,” said the association.
CHRA has demanded an immediate reversal of the fee hike and called on the city council to engage in “meaningful consultations” with affected stakeholders, including women’s rights groups, informal traders, and low-income residents.
Health risks on the rise
Health professionals are warning of potential hygiene disasters. With fewer people able to afford paid toilets, some may resort to relieving themselves in alleys and open spaces, creating conditions ripe for disease outbreaks.
The Harare City Council has not yet issued a formal response to the growing criticism.
“The city must realise that failing to provide affordable and accessible sanitation is a ticking health time bomb,” said one local NGO representative who asked not to be named.
As the backlash mounts, residents are urging city officials to prioritise people’s well-being over profit.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post Outcry as City of Harare Hikes Public Toilet Fees by 100 Percent appeared first on iHarare News.
