Pajottegem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Mayor Kris Poelaert (CD&V) urged the Flemish government to install restrooms at the Leerbeek bus depot. The issue has persisted since 2013 when Gooik placed an unhygienic portable toilet.
As VRT News reported, Pajottegem, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, Mayor Kris Poelaert (CD&V) has urged the Flemish government to provide proper restrooms at the Leerbeek bus depot. Drivers and commuters have asked for better facilities.
“The future of the Leerbeek depot is assured,”
says Poelaert.
“Many drivers and commuters had been worried about this for a while, but there will even be additional investment in the surrounding area. A study is underway on the depot’s electrification, and sewer and minor roadworks are also planned.”
“A portable toilet is unhygienic and cold in winter.”
Mayor Kris Polaert
What is Mayor Kris Poelaert’s plan for restrooms at Leerbeek depot?
As a member of the Flemish Parliament, Poelaert discussed the restroom issue with Minister of Mobility Annick De Ridder (N-VA). He stressed that basic facilities for staff are as important as infrastructure improvements.
“Hundreds of travellers pass through the depot every day, but there are no restroom facilities. That’s simply a basic necessity. It doesn’t have to be a major expense.”
“I am definitely going to ask the question again and stress how important it is for the comfort of bus passengers,”
the Mayor said. Poelaert explained that proper amenities are essential for both commuters and staff.
The problem of missing restrooms at the Leerbeek bus depot has been around for many years. Mayor Kris Poelaert said the situation is still not solved, even after earlier efforts to find a fix. In 2013, the municipality of Gooik placed a portable toilet at the site to help drivers and passengers. Many users complained that the toilet was unhygienic and far too cold during the winter months. Poelaert added that the minister did not seem to agree with the request for permanent facilities, saying the depot is not seen as a public space.
