The pink public toilet that divided a city: some praise it, others ask how you can defecate in a bag in full view of the world
A pink ecological toilet, located in a park in Piatra Neamț, has sparked heated ironies and disputes on social networks. Several locals thought that the bags attached to it should be used as toilets, and the mayor Adrian Niță intervened to clarify the situation.
The pink toilet will be used by children. Photo: Facebook. Together for Piatra Neamț
An image of a pink public sanitary installation in a park in Piatra Neamț has sparked a wave of controversy on social networks. A local woman complained about its unusual shape and wondered how it could be used.
“I would like to ask the mayor how could the citizens of this city defecate in full view of the world, in a bag? Nowhere in this world have I seen such a horrible thing…”wrote Petra Pop, on the “Together for Piatra Neamț” Facebook group.
Hot reactions to the pink toilet
The message caused many reactions. Some locals explained that such installations are also used in other European countries, especially at festivals and other outdoor events.
“Europe, especially in the Scandinavian countries, is full of such toilets. It is possible that in Piatra Neamț it will not be successful”said a local.
Someone else mentioned that the toilet was intended for children and thinks it's a very good idea because he noticed a lot of minors defecating in the park.
“It's a very good investment, but you need more than two neurons to figure it out!”, another local added.
The toilet has sparked controversy. Source: Facebook
Some netizens pointed out that the installation can be confusing in the absence of clear instructions for use:
“There's something like that in Valencia. It's just a screen where you can't see your midriff, only there's no bag there. I think they wanted to copy it a bit, but it didn't quite work out.” someone else thinks.
A Romanian explains why he thinks such a toilet is a good idea.
“After seeing, in the middle of the parks, on the side of the roads and near the restaurants – where only the customers have access to the toilets – dozens of butts held in the air, so that “that little one” or “that little one” would have epilepsy, believe me, any other solution is welcome for children. As adults, it is not necessary to comment anymore”he wrote.
Some locals, however, were wronged.
“Adults where to go if these are for children? Into the bushes?”adds one commenter.
Someone else thinks that public toilets are sources of filth.
“The bush toilet is better! That smells from ten meters away and is a hotbed of infection. But if you have nothing to do, you end up there too! I'd rather buy a diaper than use a public toilet in Romania. They're pathetic!”, add this one.
The mayor intervened in the debate with a photo
The mayor of Piatra Neamț, Adrian Niță, intervened in the discussion on Facebook and specified that the installations were placed for children, and the bags are not intended for use as toilets. He also added a picture of a child defecating in the park to make it more convincing.
“These toilets are only for children and the bags are not for defecating in. In the picture you also see the reason why we chose to place these children's toilets in the central park”. wrote the mayor of Piatra Neamț.
The image published by the mayor of Piatra Neamț. Source: Facebook
A local woman asked the mayor for additional explanations for the use of bags
“For other waste, ma'am: pampers, wipes, absorbents… They are ecological toilets, without water. These toilets are also located at festivals, concerts, in the capitals of European countries, in Japan, etc. I don't know what is so difficult to understand. Haven't we really evolved a bit? You are one click away from any information. Would you prefer the mayor to tell you where to throw the tampons? Seriously, no offense”, a netizen replied.
The toilet of a park in Petroșani, stolen by thieves. The locals brought her home but were caught
Another argued that the authorities should explain how to use the facilities, which are new to the city.
“Why are you opposed? People ask. Not all of them have left the country and it's something new for most of them. In order for them to be used correctly, education must be done. And yes, the mayor must do that, through the qualified people he has under him. After all, he is the one who accepts such projects.” completed the netizen.
Another Romanian showed him the posters with the instructions for using the pink toilet and its accessories.
“You don't have to be out of the country to realize what the role of those bags is. You just like it when others think for you. No one makes even the slightest effort for anything anymore”he wrote.
Some locals have questioned whether such facilities are enough in the city.
“I understand they are for children, but doesn't the rest of the population need toilets? How can other countries have toilets?”someone complained.
Other Romanians complained about the shape of the toilet and the fact that it is not efficient.
“Well wasn't it normal to put in regular toilets? Surely a normal one was cheaper,” said a local.
Someone else complained that pink toilets are an unnecessary expense, “on our money”.
“They're for kids. They used to defecate in plain sight because they had nowhere to go. Now they're pretty much covered. And they don't go in the bag. Don't misinform if you have no idea”adds another Romanian.
Others explained in turn that toilet bags are used to store paper and tissues, not for a child to defecate in!
“I think this post can take the prize for the most embarrassing content! And some of the comments can be a form of polling the level of education of society. We can title it: “The bag and its role in education!””a Romanian concluded.
Another commenter mocked the appearance of the toilet in the park.
“I defecated in this toilet and I'm happy with this concept. I was able to socialize with the world while I was on the throne. I felt like a king. Some old ladies laughed because I was giving crumbs to the pigeons. Educate yourself, people! We want a country like outside, but we sit with the door closed…”the user wrote.
The Danish manufacturer's explanations about the role of toilets
The Lapee company, a Danish manufacturer of such installations, has informed on its website that the Lapee is a urinal intended for women and people who urinate while squatting.
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The ecological toilet is often used at public events Source: Lapee.dk
According to the manufacturer, Lapee offers a clean, safe and fast experience, reducing endless queues at toilets. The installations are used in 26 countries, on five continents, and at hundreds of events every year.
“Prior to the Lapee, there were no female-only urinals or squatters. The absence of urinals for half the population has a considerable impact on gender inclusion, and this is especially evident at outdoor events and public spaces. The Lapee is designed to provide privacy to the person using it. The walls are curved so that people outside cannot see the user's body. The height of the installation ensures privacy, but also gives the person inside a perspective of the surroundings. During use, the view level is similar to that of a person standing.” inform the company.
The manufacturer adds that the open form preserves the efficiency and functionality of the installation, and the degree of privacy can be adjusted by the way the units are placed.
“The simple design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. The installation has been tested at various types of events and optimized for handling, cleaning, transport and storage”the company also informed.
