The Maseru City Council (MCC) has received some ticking off for ‘putting the cart before the horse’, after it announced plans to enforce adherence to public decency.
According to MCC, people found urinating in public places face fines ranging from M5,000 to M20,000 or a possible two-year prison sentence.
The council’s public relations manager, ‘Makatleho Mosala, says anyone in authority, like the police, can enforce this law against public indecency.
Mosala noted that there is a growing problem with public urination in the city. So far, MCC has been issuing verbal warnings, but no one has been taken to court yet.
Mosala acknowledged complaints regarding the insufficient number of public toilets, but stressed that such facilities are indeed available.
“Although the available facilities are not always in the best of conditions, they are still operational and should be used.”
She further explained that the MCC continues to ensure that toilets are accessible, and is looking into the possibility of increasing the number of public toilets in the city.
However, members of the public who spoke to this publication are questioning the wisdom of MCC’s plans.
Lesiamo Phamotse welcomes the plans but believes the acute shortage of public ablution facilities needs to be addressed first.
“Even the few existing public toilets are filthy.”
Others, however, are commending MCC for now beginning to take its work seriously, as its plans will contribute to ensuring cleanliness in the city.
