Haibin Park in the mangrove reserve in Futian District, Shenzhen City, will have two new toilets built in the park, chief of the park management office said.

There is only one toilet in the park at the moment. The situation is compounded during autumn and winter when many people go to see water birds spending the winter in the park.

More than 40 women were seen queuing outside the toilet Sunday. Some said they had been waiting for more than half an hour before.

One woman who could not wait any longer told her mother to stand watch so she could use the men's toilet. The other women then flocked to the men's while the old lady standing watch asked the men to wait a while.

A park management official surnamed Li said Haibin Park was not built according to park standards, but rather as a nature reserve. All public services including parking and toilets needed to be improved, Li said.

The park is now inviting public bidding tenders for the new toilets, which are expected to be ready at the beginning of next month.

(Shenzhen Daily December 8, 2004)