Traders in Kigali City Raise Concerns Over Charges for Public Toilets

By Isabella Iradukunda Elisabeth

In public markets in Kigali city, a flat rate of Rwf 100 per person is charged for using public toilets, including both customers and Traders. Some traders in various markets have expressed their frustration over this fee, stating that they used to have access to free restroom facilities as part of the services provided in exchange for paying rent for their workspace.

During interviews with business owners in Kigali, who rely on the public toilets daily, they argued that restroom services should be considered a basic amenity included in the rental agreement, similar to utilities like water and electricity. The charges have prompted concerns among traders, leading them to limit their fluid intake to avoid frequent restroom visits and potential loss of income when they have to leave their stalls unattended.

One pregnant trader at Nyarugenge Market shared her struggles with the fee, highlighting how it poses a significant barrier for her due to her increased need for restroom breaks. Another trader emphasized the health risks associated with holding in bodily functions due to the lack of toilets fees.

In response, Nkundimana Maxime suggested that market workers should be exempt from paying for restroom use to prevent financial losses and health complications. He proposed implementing a system where vendors are issued cards to prove their affiliation with the market and gain free access to the toilets, while customers are charged a fee.

The city administration of Kigali advised business owners to negotiate restroom facilities as part of their rental agreements with market owners to address these concerns effectively. Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, spokesperson for the city, emphasized the importance of maintaining clean and well-equipped public toilets, which require ongoing maintenance costs covered by user contributions.

Overall, the issue of charging for public toilets in Kigali markets has sparked a debate among traders, highlighting the need for a more sustainable solution that balances the financial considerations of maintaining restroom facilities with the basic needs of market workers.