Filthy Reality of Public Spaces

Oct 12 , 2024
By Eden Sahle

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I recall watching a historian passionately defend the origins of one of the ancient castles in Ethiopia. What caught my attention was the analogy he used to assert that it was built by local residents. He mentioned the absence of toilets as a point of evidence arguing that relieving oneself outdoors was the norm. It got me thinking, as we still see individuals defecating in public spaces, seemingly unfazed by onlookers.

During my pregnancy, I found myself frequently in need of a restroom. I usually left malls horrified by their obscene facilities. The emphasis on clean and hygienic toilets is glaringly absent in public spaces. Lack of lighting, soap, and clean facilities, coupled with contaminated water reservoirs, makes visiting public toilets a distressing experience. Offices and shops may be bright and clean, but stepping into their toilets reveals a contrast.

Surprisingly, customers seem unconcerned. Many public toilet users I encountered quickly used the facilities and left. It is alarming to think about the germs they might spread while greeting others or touching various surfaces. I have witnessed individuals dipping their unwashed hands into water tanks that resemble dirty river water, merely to wet their hands, then drying off their clothes. In public restrooms and hotels, well-dressed individuals with impeccable looks neglect the importance of cleanliness for their own sake and the well-being of others.

In some places, an initial thrill at finding running water and soap quickly turns to disappointment when I discover the soap is overly diluted, rendering it ineffective. It raises the question of why even some of the rated hotels neglect to provide basic amenities like diaper-changing areas for children.

My awareness of the dire state of hygiene began during my university days. Unlike my experiences in schools, I quickly learned that clean toilets and basic sanitation were nonexistent in these institutions. My friend and I started bringing our soap and water, a habit I maintained after graduation, as I found the world outside equally lacking in hygienic facilities.

Property owners neglect the state of toilets, despite their critical role in public health. Three commercial building owners I spoke to around Bole area claim that providing soap and water is too costly, fearing that it will lead to increased usage. They do not consider sharing hygiene costs with their tenants as an alternative.

I leave my supplies outside, washing my hands while being watched by strangers as if I am performing a circus act. When I offer my soap and water, their laughter turns to anger. Some insist they have not touched anything that requires washing while others argue that simply wetting their hands is sufficient.

Equally perplexing is why, in the 21st century, many are unaware that they can prevent illnesses simply by keeping their hands clean. I have observed people skipping handwashing even when soap and water are available. “It’s the clean ones who get sick,” is the usual response I get, a lingering threat that did not disappear even after COVID-19. I read a study published in 2019 that indicates Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infections are prevalent and recognized as a major cause of gastrointestinal diseases in Ethiopia. Sanitation is one of the reasons for transmission.

While it is commendable that the city administration mandates public toilets in restaurants and malls, simply having them without proper facilities only exacerbates the ongoing public hygiene crisis. Public spaces should provide necessary toiletries to help eliminate preventable diseases.

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PUBLISHED ON Oct 12,2024 [ VOL 25 , NO 1276]

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