The Cape Town Public Toilet Project has become a resounding success, providing essential facilities and employment opportunities while fostering inclusivity and dignity within the community.
Western Cape, South Africa (08 March 2024) – In a bustling metropolis like Cape Town, accessibility to clean and safe public amenities is not just a convenience but a necessity. Since its inception in 2022, the Public Toilet Project in Cape Town has emerged as a beacon of success, providing essential facilities for hundreds of thousands of people in the city centre.
Initiated by a collaborative effort between the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID), the City of Cape Town, and NGO Khulisa Social Solutions, this project aimed to address the scarcity of public ablution facilities in the CBD.
The results? Nothing short of astounding.
According to recent reports, nearly 300,000 individuals have availed themselves of these spotless facilities, strategically positioned across five key inner-city locations. The pilot, which began in May 2022, garnered widespread acclaim from both visitors and residents alike, particularly during the festive seasons when the CBD experienced a surge in foot traffic.
Ian McMahon, the City of Cape Town councillor for Ward 115, expressed his admiration, labelling the project “an amazing success” evident in the sheer number of people using the ablutions.
Tasso Evangelinos, CEO of CCID, emphasised the dire need for such facilities, ensuring they remain accessible not only during the day but also at night, catering to the diverse needs of the community.
“There is a scarcity of public ablution facilities in the CBD, and the long-standing ones are only open during normal working hours. We wanted to address this shortage but also provide clean, safe facilities that were not only open during the day, but also at night,” he says.
One of the project’s most commendable aspects is its role in job creation. With at least 19 individuals employed to manage the toilets, the initiative goes beyond providing essential services; it offers a sense of purpose and stability to those in need. Kally Benito, manager of CCID’s Urban Management department, highlighted the collaborative efforts with Khulisa Social Solutions, which not only provides employment but also facilitates rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
According to Jesse Laitinen, Khulisa Social Solutions’ strategic partnerships manager, the project’s job opportunities have provided participants with a sense of purpose and structure.
“The work offers a daily routine and a reason to wake up in the morning. This routine can be crucial in breaking cycles of instability and addiction that often accompany long-term homelessness.”
She says the project has not only increased the workers’ sense of self-worth and pride, but it has also helped them regain confidence in their abilities and their place within society – as well as pay rent – thereby contributing to long-term stability.
Moreover, these facilities serve as dignified options for the homeless population, offering them basic necessities often taken for granted. Of the nearly 300,000 recorded users, a significant portion comprised homeless individuals, reaffirming the project’s inclusive ethos.
The project’s operational hours, spanning from 07:00 to 23:00, ensure accessibility throughout the day and into the night, catering to the diverse needs of the CBD’s vibrant community. However, to sustain this remarkable initiative, corporate or business sponsorship is urgently required. Tasso Evangelinos emphasised the importance of partnerships to ensure the project’s longevity and continued impact.
In the words of Cllr McMahon, the usage statistics of these facilities serve as crucial metrics for future discussions and determinations, highlighting the project’s significance in addressing complex social issues.
The success of the Cape Town Public Toilet Project transcends mere numbers; it embodies a community-driven approach towards addressing fundamental needs while fostering inclusivity and empowerment. As we celebrate this milestone, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a city where every individual, irrespective of circumstance, is afforded dignity and respect.
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Where are these facilities? any in Claremont?