The Welsh Government has spent more than £140,000 over the past three years on temporary portable toilets at two locations on trunk roads in Powys.

The sites are on the A483 at Llananno, between Llandrindod Wells and Newtown, and the A40 at Llansantffraed near Bwlch, Brecon.

Both Welsh-Government owned permanent toilet blocks are currently out of service because the existing sewage discharge systems are inadequate, according to a response to written questions from James Evans, Conservative MS for Brecon and Radnorshire.

Officials say they are considering options for the sites but have not provided a timetable for reopening permanent facilities.

In the 2024/25 financial year alone, costs for temporary toilets at the two sites amounted to more than £51,000. The expenditure includes hire, cleaning, servicing, and waste disposal.

Mr Evans, who uncovered the information, said the ongoing reliance on temporary toilets was an inefficient use of public funds.

“It is disgraceful that the taxpayer has spent more than £140,000 in the past three years on temporary toilet facilities at two sites in Powys,” he said.

“The Welsh Government should be finding permanent solutions to fix the sewage systems in these toilets.”

He also made reference to the recent funding of £500,000 awarded to Powys County Council for upgrading toilet facilities.

“The Welsh Government recently found £500,000 to give to Powys County Council to upgrade a few toilet sites in mainly Liberal Democrat councillors’ wards, yet these two toilet sites that the Welsh Government owns and manages have cost more than £51,000 in the last year alone and over £140,000 in the past three financial years,” said Mr Evans.

“And there is still no sign of any work being undertaken or timescale given for when the permanent toilets will be back operational.”