Public toilets in Saxony-Anhalt: Where are they missing and why are they important?

Public Toilets in Saxony-Anhalt: An urgent supply gap

The supply of public toilets in Saxony-Anhalt is an urgent problem that affects many people. The Left Party in the state parliament has taken up this issue and asked the state government for information. Despite the lack of statistical data on the figures, some municipalities, including Halle (Saale), have willingly provided information.

In Halle there are a total of ten public toilets, nine of which are barrier-free and two of which are open around the clock. In contrast, there are 18 public toilets in Magdeburg, while Dessau-Roßlau unfortunately no longer has any. In Merseburg, citizens have at least three public toilets at their disposal.

Monika Hohmann, deputy chairwoman of the Left Party, stresses the importance of public toilets as a fundamental part of basic services. Children, senior citizens and tourists are often looking for a toilet, but in Saxony-Anhalt the offer is sparse. Only 13 percent of train stations have a toilet, and in Dessau there are no public toilets at all.

The lack of public toilets means that people in need have to go out into the countryside. This causes hygiene and odor problems, especially in the summer season and at large events such as folk festivals. Monika Hohmann appeals to political decision-makers to invest more in public toilets, especially in barrier-free facilities. Municipalities should receive financial support from the state to meet this need.

The state government itself should set a good example and make its own toilets accessible to the public. Public toilets need to be made available across the board to improve the quality of life of all citizens and promote tourism. It is time for everyone in Saxony-Anhalt to have unrestricted access to clean and barrier-free toilets.