Trashed, neglected amenities just days away from Easter weekend

Locked toilets, overgrown surroundings and used toilet paper scattered on the ground — that is the scene welcoming visitors and residents to busy local leisure spots. Bonza Bay Beachand the nearby Batting Bridge picnic site draw steady crowds, but a lack of functioning ablution facilities has left residents andholidaymakersfrustrated. Outside East London, facilities at Glen Eden Beach left much to be desired.

Visits to the sites this week revealed locked toilet blocks, overgrown surroundings and clear signs of misuse, including discarded used toilet paper. At Bonza Bay, permanent ablution facilities have reportedly been closed for more than nine months due to blocked drainage pipes. Temporary mobile toilets installed during peak holiday periods have repeatedly been removed without replacement, leaving visitors without access to basic sanitation.

Ward councillor Frederick Pohl said the issues dated back to 2023 when municipal renovations failed to resolve infrastructure problems. “After renovations, the toilets were still not properly usable, with leaking pipes and no windows, making it very dark inside. “It was repaired again and became usable, but was later vandalised,” Pohl said.

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“There was another problem with the drain pipes. Since then, we’ve been told they are waiting for a service provider to be appointed.” Pohl said temporary relief measures had been inconsistent, with portable toilets provided intermittently during busy periods.

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