MAPUSA
Mystery shrouds the unexpected demolition of a public toilet block owned by the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) at Vitthalwadi-Ansabhat in Mapusa, after the block was demolished by unknown persons using a JCB on Saturday evening.
Residents had been using this public toilet for almost 30 years and the MMC has instructed its staff to submit a report in this matter.
According to sources, the MMC’s public toilet block near Modern Soap Factory in Vitthalwadi was demolished by a JCB at about 5.30 pm. Locals expressed surprise over the manner in which the toilet block was demolished in broad daylight.
After being informed of the demolition, MMC officials rushed to the spot but the toilet block was razed by then. Incidentally, the MMC had not filed a complaint with Mapusa police till late Saturday night.
“The council should take serious note of the demolition of the toilet block by unknown persons and should file a police complaint in the matter,” said former MMC councillor Tushar Tople.
When contacted, MMC Municipal Engineer Pradeep Narvekar said the council had received information that toilet block had been demolished.
“The supervisor concerned has been instructed to inspect the site and submit a report. After that, further action will be taken,” said Narvekar.
Sources said a person had donated land to the MMC for this project and the MMC had built the public toilet block in 1985 for the convenience of people of Vitthalwadi and surrounding areas.
The toilet block had been used by the public till 2015, but it was subsequently unused due to lack of maintenance which left the toilet in a dilapidated condition.
In 2015, the MMC had decided to repair the toilet block under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and a budget of Rs 9 lakh had been allotted for this project. Later, it was decided to rebuild the toilet block through CSR funds but the project was shelved during the Covid pandemic and it remained neglected for the next four years.
