SDMC launches drive to repair public toilets
The repair work was taken up to check mosquito-breeding.
To control the breeding of mosquitoes in and around the public conveniences, South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has started a special drive for cleaning and repairing of all existing urinals and toilet blocks in each of the four civic zones.
“The step has been taken following repeated complaints from residents regarding the poor maintenance of these urinals. Also, during the drive, staff will check leakages in water tanks installed at the top of the toilet blocks to control the breeding of mosquitoes,” said senior SDMC official.
A team of seven to eight officials have been constituted in each zone to supervise these public conveniences. Based on the report submitted by them, the concerned department will arrange for cleaning and repairing of water tanks, lights and taps. The corporation will use the funds received from the Central government under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
According to an SDMC official, the drive has already started in south zone on April 27 and will continue till May 4. “We have 150 urinals and 120 toilet blocks in south zone, out of which 12 have been outsourced to the private concessionaire. Rest will also be outsourced soon, but till that time, we will emphasize on keeping them clean as much as we can,” said a senior official from SDMC. Two tankers are engaged to supply water during this period.
From May 2 onwards, the corporation will start the repair work at toilet blocks and urinals in central Zone.
However, residents gave mixed reaction to the efforts taken by the department. Dev Gupta, former RWA president from Hauz Khas, said, “Though the department carried some repair work at urinals in my locality, this should be a regular feature. Half of the time, there is no water supply in public urinals which is why people avoid using them. Also, it is more important to spread awareness among the users to keep them clean.”
