Most markets, bus stations and motor parks in Douala do not have basic sanitary facilities.

For that matter finding a place to bathe, wash hands, wash and dry clothes or simply rest is difficult to find in Douala. A situation that is grossly felt the most by commuters, traders and the general public.

None of the major markets in the city, including Marché Central, Marché des Femmes, Marché Mboppi, Marché Congo and Marché Sandaga, which attract hordes of people throughout the day, has any public lavatory.

The scarcity of bathrooms or lavatories is an uncomfortable experience to everyone after travelling over a long distance. Imagine a tired traveller or even a frail patient who has nowhere to lie down, sit or have a cool bath before continuing his journey!

Many traders (especially women) travel long distances in buses on a regular basis across regions, but there are no public lavatories provided for them in motor parks and markets. Most markets in Douala have few toilets without bathrooms.

Elisabeth T., a passenger in one of the inter-urban bus companies at Douche Municipal, said she considers the toilets unsafe for women because they are poorly constructed, lack basic cleaning detergents, often poorly maintained, do not meet acceptable standards, provide no privacy and have consequently has a terrible odour. Yet users are obligated to pay between FCFA 50 and FCFA 100 for their use.

The grounds of the Bepanda Omnisports Stadium, which hosts many crowd-pulling events, like most public arenas in the port city, lacks a public lavatory or urinal.

The experience of being hard pressed to respond to nature’s call or getting refreshed at the shower after staging a performance is better imagined than described.