Opinion | Bogsmacked! Why are Hong Kong’s public toilets so grim?
- Despite promising to spend HK$600m on upgrades, government-funded loos remain bog standard at best
- Perhaps if the attendants were allowed to issue on-the-spot fines there would be less mess
No matter where you go in the world, it seems nobody’s got a flattering term for a public toilet. It’s “jakes” in Ireland, “cludgie” in Scotland, “can” in the United States and “brasco” in Australia. Hong Kong settles for the vulgar but jocular公廁 (kung chi), also slang for “a promiscuous woman”. As anyone who’s had to spend a penny at one lately will vouch, the city’s WCs are pretty dire.
One bogsmacked investigator was generous enough to go online to record his findings among Hong Kong’s 650 or so facilities. Among his conclusions: Central Market – a literal cesspit; Java Road – sinks clogged with vomit; Apliu Street – one of the most malodorous spots in all Hong Kong. Yuck.
This is all the more perturbing given it’s a little over a year since the government announced it was splashing out HK$600 million to spruce up the worst offenders, to little visible effect so far – and now we are up to our nostrils in Covid-19.
The problem starts with human nature. Few people conform to the same standards of hygiene. For every fanatical flusher and scrupulous hand-washer, there’s an inconsiderate berk who walks straight from cubicle to street with nary a backward glance. As Singaporean as it may sound, if the toilet attendant had the power to levy commission-based fines on the spot, there would be less mess.
Then there’s the design. Hong Kong’s malls have some splendid conveniences. In Pacific Place, British designer Thomas Heatherwick gave both the ladies’ and gents’ curving entrance corridors, so there are no doors to push or pull with mucky fingers. But not much thought goes into building public facilities, which rarely go beyond the most basic requirements – cubicles, basins, water and (sometimes) paper. Hence the term “bog standard”?
So – first sort the design, then add a bit of technology. Robots are already performing cleaning tasks in Hong Kong (bravo, MTR) and delivering food in various cities overseas. Start with an accessible toilet layout and put the bots to work clearing up the eventual end products of food delivery. A simple remedy, and then Hong Kong could hold its head up high. And stop holding its nose.