KNYSNA NEWS - Commuters in Knysna are breathing a sigh of relief now that the toilets at the taxi rank are fully operational – after last week being exposed to the extremely unpleasant smell coming from the direction of the toilets. This was because they were closed since the beginning of the week and commuters had resorted to relieving themselves in an open drain just outside the toilets.

Knysna Taxi Forum deputy secretary Mpumelelo Sonjana said this was one of the grievances they raised during their march on 9 June.

“We spoke to a contractor from the municipality and he told us that he would bring an alternative on Monday already and nothing has come out of it. The smell cannot be healthy for passengers waiting for their taxis to get full,” he said last week.

One man who had just relieved himself in the drain, Gert Blaauw, said, “No one should ever have to do this – I feel bad for doing it but I needed to relieve myself.”

Another, Samuel Matha, said having to relieve yourself in a drain is the most undignified action for any self-respecting human. When the weather is warm the smell is unbearable and there are flies everywhere, Matha added.

Knysna Municipality said on Friday 7 September that a contractor was appointed to undertake the repair work of the toilets, which included tiling, painting of doors and frames and replacing damaged toilets in both the men and women's facilities.

The toilets at the taxi rank have been fully operational as of Monday 10 September and the side drain has been closed.

"The contractor had to lock the toilets in order for the paint and cement to get dry before use. The toilets are expected to be open this morning. In the interim commuters may use the ablution facilities in the Checkers mall across the street."

The municipality said the repair work cost about R30 000 and pleaded with the public to take good care of it and ensure that it is clean and not vandalised.

Two men relieving themselves in an open drain at the Knysna taxi rank last week, while the toilet facilities were being repaired. Photos: Nwabisa Pondoyi

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