Indigenous business operators at the Gicel Estate Business Center have issued an urgent appeal to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to intervene and prevent Gicel from selling public toilet facilities to private individuals.
They argue that these transactions have triggered a severe sanitation crisis in the area.
The move to sell public toilets, which are now being converted into private shops, has significantly reduced public access to essential sanitation facilities.
As a result, the lack of accessible public toilets has led to an increase in open defecation and “shit-and-throw” practices, creating serious health risks for the thousands of daily visitors to the business center.
With more than 5,000 visitors, business owners, and employees engaged in various activities at the center, the demand for adequate sanitation facilities is critical.
Business operators emphasize that the absence of proper sanitation options is fostering an unhygienic and unsafe environment. This not only jeopardizes public health but also threatens the reputation and operation of local businesses.
“We are urging SSNIT and Gicel to immediately halt the sale of public toilet facilities and take swift action to restore proper sanitation standards at the Gicel Estate Business Center,” said a spokesperson for the Indigenous Business Operators Association.
The association highlights the need for SSNIT and Gicel to understand the broader impact of their actions on public health and to reinstate these essential facilities. If no action is taken, the group warns that they may be forced to pursue further measures to safeguard the community’s wellbeing and the viability of local businesses.
The Indigenous Business Operators Association affirmed their commitment to collaborating with relevant authorities to resolve the issue, uphold hygiene standards, and ensure that the business center remains a welcoming and business-friendly environment.
