After e-toilets, it’s the turn of ‘She-Toilets.’ Meant for women, nine ‘She-Toilets’ have been opened on a trial basis by the Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation Ltd (KSWDC) in the city. In all, 23 toilets are planned and they will be opened by the end of this month, KSWDC chairperson advocate P Kulsu said.
Designed by Eram Scientific Solutions, the nine toilets are at the Government Women’s College, Vazhuthacaud; the Hospital for Women and Children, Thycaud; Government Ayurveda College; Veli Tourist Village; Government Polytechnic, Kaimanam; Sreekanteswaram Temple; University College; East Fort Homoeo College; and opposite Hindi Prachar Sabha, Vazhuthacaud.
Users can enter the toilet by inserting a Rs 2 coin into the slot. The automatic e-toilets work on cost-effective and environment-friendly technology blending electronics and mechanical engineering and IT. Apart from self-washing and sterilisation functions, the she-toilets have features like coin-operated mechanical sanitary-napkin vending machines that dispense napkins for Rs 5.
An electrical napkin-incinerator is attached to the unit for destroying used napkins. A baby-station to enable diaper-changing for babies is another woman-friendly feature of the she-toilets, all of which would feature ‘Indian-style’ commodes. They also have automatic cleaning systems. Their operations can be controlled from a remote location using GPRS technology.
There is also a facility whereby a control room will be alerted via automatic SMS in case of emergencies like the water tank drying up or the septic tank filling up.