Open defecation still a issue in Sanguem
Swacch Bharat Abhiyan fails to
stop open defecation in Sanguem THE GOAN NETWORK
CURCHOREM
The Swacch Bharat Abhiyan drives may be continuing in full swing in the State, but in towns like Sanguem, open defecation is still prevalent in water bodies.
In Sanguem town, open defecation has not stopped despite Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan campaign going on in full swing.
Many local women have complained that non-Goan labourers and some people who stay in rented rooms defecate in the open near springs and water bodies, the sources of drinking water, bathing and washing clothes.
It may be recalled that a few months ago as per the government notification under Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan, Sanguem Municipal Council (SMC) was supposed to build community toilets and fund was allotted by the government to encourage construction of toilets in houses which don't have toilet facility, but not even a single community toilet was built in Sanguem.
Speaking to The Goan, SMC Chairperson Quiroz Cruz said they have received applications and photographs of the old toilets for repairs. “Money for toilet repairs have been sanctioned for some people and some are pending.”
He admitted that the issue of open defecation is prevalent in Sanguem but added that at the end of this month, some officials of Swacch Bharat ABhiyaan will visit all wards in Sanguem and inquire into the matter.
A local youth, Messiah D'Costa, said many outsiders staying in rented houses and labourers tend to go out and defecate. “In many cases, people staying in rented houses have single toilet and they are forced to go into the open to ease themselves. SMC should take strict action against such people.”
Another youth, Joyston said strict action needs to be taken against those who dirty places by open defecation and littering garbage. “We are fed-up of telling and requesting the people not to litter garbage or defecate in the open and its time that SMC take some action.”
