CONCERNS continue to mount at the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court where unflushed and leaking toilets have left members of the public and staff at the court demanding answers and in search of relief.
For at least a month these facilities have essentially been non-functioning but widely used, leaving pools of water and urine on the floors of the restrooms and piles of faeces collecting in the bowls of unflushed toilets.
On Wednesday, media enquiries to the Northern Cape Department of Public Works were referred to the Department of Justice, who, in turn, failed to respond by the time of going to press yesterday.
By Friday afternoon last week, the doors to most of the public ablution facilities at the court were locked and signs were posted warning of the slippery, wet floors.
While it couldn’t be established if this was done in order for much-needed maintenance and repairs to be conducted, members of the public and staff at the court have expressed outrage and concern over the condition of the facility, with some fearful of the potential health risks.
“If this is what the public has to deal with, I can only imagine what goes on in the cells beneath the courtrooms,” said the wife of one awaiting trial prisoner. “It’s absolutely disgusting and has obviously been like that for ages.”
A Pescodia resident, who is currently out on bail, agreed.
“They (the toilets) have looked like that since I was granted bail more than a month ago,” he said.
“You can smell them before you enter the door, but once you are inside you really get the shock of your life.
“It’s absolutely disgusting and is only going to get worse when the weather gets warmer. If something isn’t done soon, the smell and health hazards are only going to intensify.
“Does the department have no respect for people? Expecting the public to use those toilets isn’t only unjust but completely undignified.”