the goan I network
MAPUSA
Encouraged by the public response to the new toilet complex constructed near the Mapusa fish market, the Mapusa civic body has now decided to let out the lavatory in Mapusa garden to a private agency for maintenance.
The lavatory in the garden offers both toilet and bathing facility too.
Councillor Tushar Tople informed that the Ram Manohar Lohia Garden, situated in the heart of the city, has been frequently used by locals for morning walks.
He said besides the locals, people arriving by buses use the only public toilet available in the garden.
“Even the bus drivers make use of the public toilet. We could make a system where locals who come for morning walk can be issued passes so that they can get free access to the toilet but others should be charged,” Tople said.
The toilet has been presently shut for maintenance.
According to senior councillor Sandeep Falari, the civic body should consider giving toilets to reputed agencies like Sulabh International so that people get good service.
Mapusa Chairperson Ryan Braganza was of the opinion that the municipality staff was ill-equipped when it came to maintaining toilets and the best way out was to lease out the maintenance of toilets to private agencies.
“Several people have appreciated the construction of the new toilet block near the fish market which shows that public want good service and are willing to pay. We will consider letting out the maintenance of the toilet in the garden to the Sulabh International,” Braganza said.
