By Correspondent
Famous Bikita Growth Point, Nyika, is facing a potential health crisis following a month long blockage and non-functioning of its solitary public toilet.
Bikita Residents and Ratepayers Association (BRRA) has since written to Bikita Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Chibhi demanding immediate action.
“We as Bikita residents trading in and around Nyika growth point are worried about the non-functioning of the one and only public toilet at our Nyika bus terminus.
“Repeated efforts to engage council over the issue fell on deaf ears.
“We are worried over the looming disaster of diseases relating to improper disposal of human waste as vendors and shop owners around the area have resorted to the use of open facilities,” it said.
Busy Growth Point
Nyika is the hub of business activities for Bikita District and is home to one of the busiest bus terminus which links Masvingo and Manicaland.
The Growth Point is perennially a hive of activity with thousands passing through or trading there.
“It’s unconstitutional for council to withdraw such a service by ignoring the mere repair of the blockage.
“The toilets have gone for a month now without being attended despite them collecting revenue daily on buses and vendors.
“We urge our council to construct new and modern ablution facilities that accommodates the disabled with reliable water system for maximum hygiene,” reads the letter.
Bikita RDC CEO Chibhi confirmed the situation and said he has since dispatched his engeneering department to look into the matter.