As a major initiative towards ensuring total sanitation, the district panchayat is setting up baby-friendly toilets at anganwadis. Of the 200 toilets sanctioned, 174 units have been completed. The work of the remaining units is going on. The toilets are being set up at all block panchayats in association with District Suchitwa Mission and Social Welfare Department.
“The project which was sanctioned last year has been taken up this year too. Many new anganawadis are coming up and all will have baby-friendly toilets,” said District Panchayat president Eldhose Kunnappillil.
“The centre has mooted toilets for all anganwadis, but the state government modified the scheme to make it baby-friendly. The anganawadis which already have toilets will have to make do with the old ones. Only anganwadis sans toilets will have the baby-friendly units,” said district panchayat secretary Abdul Kalam Azad.
The toilets have been designed in such a way that children will not be afraid to sit on them. The rounded units have doors that can be opened from outside if locked accidentally. Anti-fungal exterior water paint is being used. Paintings of favourite cartoon characters in venial sheet are an added attraction. Each toilet will cost `11,900. The centre is providing the major share of funds.
The project is being implemented by Feeder Technology and Habitation. More anganwadis are coming up in the district and more toilets are required. “Around 200 more toilets are required,” said Alex of District Suchitwa Mission.