Staff Reporter
Former Kwekwe ceremonial mayor Justin Mazambani has called on the City of Kwekwe to urgently attend to the deteriorating public toilet at the city’s Commuter Omnibus Terminus, warning that it poses a serious public health risk.
Mazambani raised the concern during the city’s 2025 budget review and 2026 budget consultation meeting held with former councillors, aldermen, and representatives of residents’ associations this week.
He said the foul stench and unsanitary state of the facility were not only a health hazard but also tarnished the city’s image.
“There is a health time bomb at the central terminus and we should not wait for a disaster to take place,” said Mazambani. “The city’s Health Department must emulate the state-of-the-art Kudzanai Terminus in Gweru, where ablution facilities are clean and well maintained. We must act urgently to construct facilities that meet proper standards.”
Mazambani said the city leadership had a duty to ensure that public infrastructure, particularly sanitation facilities used by hundreds of commuters daily, is well maintained.
In response, Kwekwe Director of Works, Engineer John Mhike said council was aware of the situation and had already started taking steps to address it.
“We have decided on a phased approach to construct a modern pay toilet as requested by users of the facility,” said Mhike. “We have completed renovations at the farmers’ market toilet, which is now 100 percent done. However, progress at the terminus was delayed after contractors working at an adjacent building damaged the sewer infrastructure.”
He added that discussions with the contractors had since been concluded and repairs were underway.
“By next week, the farmers’ market toilet will be opened. After that, we will shut down the commuter omnibus terminus toilet and rebuild it entirely. The plans and materials are ready,” Mhike said.
Mazambani’s remarks come as Kwekwe City continues consultations on its 2026 budget, with residents and stakeholders urging the local authority to prioritize service delivery and public health infrastructure.
