Tsuen Wan toilets clean up at both ends of spectrum

Rachael Ng

Hoi Hing Road public toilet in Tsuen Wan has been recognized as the best in Hong Kong.

In a World Toilet Day announcement, however, Hong Kong Toilet Association yesterday also cited facilities at Tsuen Wan Market, Yuen Long Children's Playground, Tai Yuen Estate in Tai Po and Tai Kwun as needing significant improvements.

President Henry Hung Chi-kuen stressed the importance of including facilities for children in public restrooms and adjusting the male-to-female toilet ratio.

Those findings came from on-site surveys of over 300 toilets across 18 districts.

The Hoi Hing Road facility stood out with its unique cylindrical design, earning the gold medal.

It features drinking water facilities and clear signage for public accessibility.

A fisherman, Lee, said "the toilet is clean, with no rust on the floor."

His sentiments were echoed by a woman who often takes her granddaughter to the nearby park.

A janitor at the facility said the toilets are cleaned every 15 minutes.

Silver went to Sunny Bay public toilet, located at the MTR station public transport interchange, which is managed by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.

Despite it being in a busy area, it has been praised for its cleanliness and lack of odor.

The Cox's Road public toilet in Jordan got the bronze, having significantly improved since being identified as in urgent need of renovation in 2021.

The public toilet at Bride's Pool was the most environmentally friendly, utilizing solar energy for flushing and lighting.

The one at + WOO in Tin Shui Wai was rated as the best in a mall, boasting facilities of five-star hotel standard.

Tsuen Wan Market facility was one of the worst, with stagnant water on the floor posing slipping hazards.

A user, Au Yeung, said: "It is filthy and smells. Its janitors struggle to clean it due to the old facilities and persistent urine stains."

Association vice president Dorothy Kung said women face long queues in public spaces and at large events.

She advocated a revised male-to-female toilet ratio of 1:2.5 and suggested the introduction of "female urinals" to alleviate this problem.