Ratepayer Paul Mack has been monitoring the state of public toilets in South Dunedin for about two months, after he observed the loos often ran out of paper, particularly in Playfair St, Caversham.
Mr Mack had been frustrated — but not surprised — by the Dunedin City Council’s response when he contacted it about unclean lavatories.
However, the council is confident of its processes to keep toilets clean and operational.
"On the 11th of December I had to ring the [council] twice to get the contractors out, because there was no toilet paper at all," Mr Mack said.
"When I rang [the council], I actually sat there for two hours and watched people go in, turn around and walk straight back out again, because there was no toilet paper.
"Then again on the 26th I went in there, and it was a complete mess, and there was no toilet paper yet again."
On Friday, he contacted the Otago Daily Times, with photos of the public toilets taken that morning — without toilet paper and, again, "a complete mess".
"What’s the point of having facilities there if people can’t use them?"
Mr Mack used to clean public toilets in the Clutha District and was prepared to offer his help.
"If worse comes to worse, I would like to get with the contractors and say, ‘right, I used to do this’ [and] just give them some tips."
A council spokesperson said it would take Mr Mack’s feedback into account and see what could be done to improve people’s experience.
It was confident in the council’s training for contractors and process to address issues raised by the public.
"While we understand that this particular user has not had a satisfactory experience with the cleanliness of our toilets, we do endeavour to clean our toilets on a regular basis and routinely discuss any concerns raised by the public and how to improve where and when we can," the spokesperson said.
"Unfortunately, due to the nature of these facilities, the toilets are only as clean as the last user leaves it."
Public toilets were cleaned more often during summer and cruise ships seasons.
The council appreciated the people’s feedback on public facilities, "as we can’t be everywhere all at once".
