Greenmarket Square traders say the stench from the area’s restrooms is costing them clients and money.
|||Cape Town - Greenmarket Square traders say the stench from the area’s restrooms is costing them clients and money.
On Thursday,
Trevor Ebden, the chairman of the Greenmarket Square traders’ association, said the restrooms had been locked and had not been cleaned since February 1.
The contract with the company employed to maintain the restrooms during the festive season came to an end on January 31.
“It’s not our responsibility anymore, ask the city,” said Stephen Kiviets, co-owner of the GL Group maintenance company.
Mike Mutuku, a crafts trader from Malawi whose stall is located next to the entrance to the women’s restrooms, said he had to put up with the stench of urine and faeces.
“Now many people have decided to just use the stairs instead (since the toilets are closed)… so when I have a potential customer they hold their noses… and then they run off,” he said.
Belinda Walker, the mayoral committee member for community services, said she “sincerely apologises to the public for the inconvenience”.
“The restrooms will be open as from (today) and the city will ensure that such an inconvenience will not occur in future,” she said.
daneel.knoetze@inl.co.za
Cape Argus