Public toilet operators increase charges by 100%

The chairman stated that the upsurge was due to the increase in the prices of items used for maintenance of the facilities.

The Association of Public Toilets in Bauchi Local Government Area have annouced a 100% increment in charges for using public toilets.

According to the Chairman of the association, Ibrahim Kabo, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi on Thursday, the price increment was in response to increase in prices of items used for maintenance. He stated that the charges for defecation in the facilities increased to N200 from N100 while taking baths with hot and cold water rose N200 as against the earlier N100.

“We use soap, detergent, antibacterial agents, petrol, deodorant, cream buckets, brooms, dustbins, and 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,” the chairman said.

He also stated that the association must increase the charges to be able to pay their utility bills and remain in business.

“That is why we work with the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) unit of the local government area and the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA),” Kabo added.

Reacting to the increase, Aliyu Danjuma, a client said the increase was unfortunate but understandable due to the current economic hardship.

“I don’t blame them on the increase; everything has gone up, so you don’t expect less than what they are charging,” he said.