In a heartwarming display of entrepreneurial spirit, a Bournemouth resident has crafted a revolutionary app to address a common yet often overlooked issue: the scarcity of public toilets. This innovative solution, aptly named Where to Wee, is a testament to the power of technology to solve everyday problems. But what makes this story truly fascinating is the personal journey of its creator, Blessing Fasina, and the societal implications of his endeavor.
A Personal Journey and a Social Issue
Blessing Fasina, a 29-year-old entrepreneur, moved to the UK from Nigeria in 2023 to pursue his master's degree. His experience of struggling to find public toilets upon arrival in the UK sparked a personal mission. As he reflects, 'When I got to the UK and went out, I couldn’t find a toilet. This was surprising as you don’t expect this in a first-world country.' This realization led him to develop an app that not only addresses his personal inconvenience but also a broader social issue.
A Practical Solution with a Human Touch
Where to Wee is an app that maps the location of public toilets, providing crucial information such as their openness and condition. It also allows users to report toilets that have shut down, similar to the live updates motorists receive on Waze. This feature is particularly useful for vulnerable groups, such as older people, young families, and pregnant women, who often face the most challenges in accessing public facilities. As Blessing notes, 'People are really frustrated at how difficult it is to access public toilets... People have even told me they are not going out due to the fear of not having an accessible toilet to use.'
Addressing a Hidden Crisis
The app's impact is not just personal; it addresses a hidden crisis in many UK towns and cities. Recent news reports highlight the closure of public facilities due to various reasons, from vandalism to anti-social behavior. For instance, the disabled toilet in Lower Gardens was closed in April due to anti-social behavior, and vandalism has put toilets at Baiter Park and Dolphin Quay out of order in recent days. Where to Wee aims to provide a solution by offering a centralized, up-to-date resource for public toilet locations.
A Community-Centric Approach
Blessing's approach to app development is community-centric. He has made the app free of charge, with no advertisements, as a gesture of gratitude to the UK, the country that has provided him with opportunities and experiences. As he states, 'I’ve had people asking: am I going to have pay for this app? But I said no— since coming to the UK in 2023, this country has given me lots of opportunities and different experiences. The app is completely free with no adverts— it’s my way of giving back to the community and the country.'
Looking Ahead: Collaboration and Impact
Looking forward, Blessing aims to collaborate with councils to improve the accuracy and accessibility of public toilet information. He believes that by working together, they can create a more comprehensive and reliable resource. This partnership could significantly enhance public access to essential facilities, making urban life more convenient and inclusive for all.
In conclusion, Blessing Fasina's Where to Wee app is more than just a practical solution to a common problem. It is a testament to the power of personal initiative and community-centric thinking. By addressing a hidden crisis, he has not only improved the lives of his fellow citizens but has also demonstrated the potential for technology to foster a more connected and supportive society.
