Public toilets, though not enough in Nigeria, are an essential part of a society in order to keep a clean and healthy environment. They help to curb frowned upon activities such as open defecation and urination which is quite common in all the 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
Most times when non-govermental associations are engaging in community outreach programs they mostly overlook public toilets, therefore, public toilet operators only depend on the revenue generated through the services they provide. But what happens when they can no longer maintain the establishment due to inflation in the economy? There most definitely must be a hike in their charges.
This the current situation in Bauchi State as the charges made by public toilets now has a 100% increase.
The chaimam of the association of Public Toilet Operators in Bauchi State, Mr Ibrahim Kabo, announced on Thursday that there will be a 100% increment in charges in all public toilet facilities across the State.
He stated that, defecation charges in the facilities will be N200 henceforth as oppose the usual N100 while taking a hot or cold bath in the facilities will also be at N200 charges instead of N100. Explaining the reason for the increase Mr Kabo said, “We use soap, detergent, antibacterial agents, petrol, deodorant, cream buckets, brooms , dustbins, toilet paper among others to make the toilets convenient for the public.
“On the other hand, we have increased workers’ transportation fares; their role is very important because they are in charge of maintenance and taking care of the facilities.
“These are what led to the price increase in the public toilets in the metropolis.”
He made it clear that they had to implement this new increase in order to stay in business. He also made it known that the members of the association are advocates for putting a stop to open defecation. He explained that, “That is why we work with the Water Sanitation and Hygiene unit of the local government area and the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency.”
Reacting to this news, one of the clients of the facilities Mr Aliyu Danjuma, said, “I don’t blame them on the increase; everything has gone up, so you don’t expect less than what they are charging.”
