World Toilet Day - A History of the WC

The life story of Looi – or ... the tough life of a public toilet system

Hello, my name is Looi and I am a pubic toilet system. In the meantime I have become a bit long in the tooth but I would like to tell you about my interesting life. I was born in a big factory. Before that, many clever men and women had planned my looks. They made drawings of me and other clever people then created me according to these drawings. Most of me was then created in a concrete factory. Then came the tilers, plumbers, electricians, roofers and painters and all of them worked on me.

And then, all of a sudden, the word was “OK, Looi is finished now” and a crane came and loaded me onto a flat-bed truck. We drove a great distance along the motorway, it rained and I felt cold. The next morning the truck stopped and the driver said to me:   “OK, Looi, this is your new home.” Another crane then lifted me up and placed me on a concrete foundation. Once again a lot of workers hovered around me. One gave me water and connected me to the sewer line. Another one “electrified” me – but lets be honest, that’s the only way I can function properly. And, after all, that’s my duty. The mayor and some other dignitaries hurried along and said some lovely words to me and about me – I was truly proud.

Then my real work started. The first customers came, whom I had to serve. They were nice and behaved properly. I gave them paper, soap, water and dried their hands. They thanked me and gave me a tip. Unfortunately, sometimes people in a bad mood visited me – they did not behave quite as nicely and left a lot of mess behind. Why are some people so angry – I only want to do good things for them and help them? Then my best friend has to come around specially. My friend visits me once every day and gives me a full cleaning. Usually he comes in the morning, after I have woken up. He gives me fresh paper, which I then give my visitors. My friend also takes a look at my general wellbeing and, if necessary, gives me a Band-Aid. Once angry people really hurt me – then my best friend came and called the doctor. He came along with his tool kit and operated on me. Then I felt well again.  

This is how my life is, day in and day out – I always serve the people. I am very happy and pleased when my visitors are also happy.

What I don’t like are people who hurt me. What I do like are people who respect me. And today it’s here – the big day.

Today is my anniversary – the WORLD TOILET DAY!

I look forward to many more years in the service of the people of our city.

Kind regards

Looi

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