PANAJI
GOACAN has expressed concern over the tender issued by the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) to maintain the Public Pay Toilet at Mapusa bus-stand given the existing infrastructure not suitable to cope with the present Covid impacts.
In a letter to the Mapusa Deputy Collector Kapil C Phadte, GOACAN has pointed out that Mapusa like the rest of Goa is confronted by the second wave of the Covid which has caused increased infections and deaths.
It has been established all over the country that one place emerging as a spreader for the Covid infections is Public Toilets, particularly at bus stands. The reasons being no temperature check before entry, lack of proper ventilation, lack of continuous water supply, toilet attendant not wearing a mask, non-availability of hand sanitisers and lack of supervision by Sanitary Inspectors and the Bus Stand Managers.
It may be noted that the Managing Director KTCL had issued an advertisement calling for tenders to maintain the Public Pay Toilet at Mapusa bus-stand. The tender forms have been on sale from May 10, 2021, and the last date to receive the tenders and the opening of the same being May 31, 2021.
GOACAN has further stated in its letter that it has visited the Mapusa bus stand and has noted that the existing infrastructure provided at the Public Toilet does not meet the consumer’s requirements. This will result in conflicts between the service provider and consumers, which will eventually result in complaints being filed for redressal under the Consumer Protection Act 2019.
Copies of the GOACAN letter have been sent to the Transport Secretary, North Goa District Collector, Director of Social Welfare, KTCL Managing Director, Deputy Director Transport (North), Health Officer Mapusa Urban Health Centre and the Assistant Director Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs.
