KOLLAM: For a state which always boasts of 100 pc literacy rate, nothing could be an eyesore as urination at public places. While men choose public spots to relieve themselves, women go in search of hotels and petrol pumps to answer nature’s call. Identifying the need for public loos, the Suchitwa Mission has stepped in with a major initiative. The Mission is giving a serious thought to the idea of not only constructing toilet complexes at every 25 kilometres of national highways but also constructing community toilet complexes at public places.
“Yes, we have an idea before us. Though our efforts to make the state open defecation free is nearing success, the uncultured habit of urinating at public places remains a challenge. In the context we have decided to launch a programme of constructing public toilets in cities, public places and at waysides,” said an Suchitwa Mission officer.
According to the officers, the programme to be implemented in a phased manner will first be launched in the corporations and municipalities of the state.“In the initial phase 575 public toilets will be constructed. The toilet complex will be constructed at government hospitals, bus stations, playgrounds, stadiums, parks, boat jetties, national highway, state highway, district roads, tourism spots, civil station and others. Every toilet complex will have separate blocks for men, women, children and senior citizens,” he said.
However, space and upkeep of loos are the two key challenges before the Suchitwa Mission.
“We were moving forward with our plan to construct toilet complexes that will be same as the standard of airport toilets. But the challenges before us is the unavailability of land and maintenance related issue,” Suchitwa Mission’s director (operations) C V Joy told ‘Express’ .“We have already sent a request towards various government agencies, departments and establishments to make available their land for the noble cause. Also, we have approached the Revenue Department and National Highways Authority of India.”
According to him, when it comes to maintaining the toilets a consensus has to be reached. “We were handing over the toilet complex to the local body concerned. From there on it’s their responsibility to upkeep it. They should ensure the water connection as well as its cleanliness. Kudumbashree could play a role here,” Joy said.It has been learnt the complexes will be constructed on a 60:40 share basis in which 60 percent of the expense will be borne by the Swachh Bharat Mission and the rest by the state government.