VASCO
At a time when villagers of Shelpe-Sattari are deprived of toilet facilities, a state-of-the-art toilet-cum-changing room built for tourists at Bogmalo beach has been virtually abandoned for several months, despite being complete in all respects.
What's worse, women tourists have been forced to urinate in bushes in the absence of toilet facilities at the beach.
According to sources, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho had highlighted the urgent need for toilet and changing room facilities at Bogmalo a
"It was scheduled to be inaugurated in the last tourist season," a source told The Goan.
Bhagwat, a domestic tourist at Bogmalo beach, claimed that while Bogmalo beach is clean and beautiful, there was no changing room at the site.
"What is surprising is that a toilet and changing room has been built and is ready, but it is not made available to tourists. The Goa government should initiate the process of getting changing rooms everywhere on its world-famous beaches," Bhagwat added.
When contacted, Chicolna-Bogmalo Panch Lorena Fernandes said this is the first toilet-cum-changing room of its kind in the State.
"It could have been an example to all other beaches if the State, had it been put to its intended use. The entire beach shore is now being used as an open urinal, especially in the dark," said Fernandes.
"As a woman, I understand and feel sad that though a toilet-cum-changing room has been built and is ready, women tourists are forced to urinate in bushes or look for a hideout to change. Sometimes, many women come to my house requesting the use of a toilet or to change and I have to oblige."
"I request the tourism department to immediately throw open the toilet-cum-changing room for use as tourist season has already begun," Fernandes added.
Chicolna-Bogmalo Sarpanch Virginia Colaco E Rodrigues told The Goan that the toilet-cum-changing room was a need of the hour and was assured by authorities that it would be inaugurated soon.
"There are many people unaware that the toilet is not open to public use. They sometimes start banging the doors assuming someone has locked it from the inside. This can damage doors and the structure."
"Many women are forced to rush to neighbourhood shacks for toilets and changing. The season has already started and I wonder why tourism department has delayed in the inauguration of this project," wondered Rodrigues.
Project ready, but awaiting CRZ
permission: Godinho
VASCO: Claiming that the toilet-cum-changing room block at Bogmalo beach was complete in all respects, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho stated that the project had been held up for want of permission from CRZ authorities.
"The toilet complex at Bogmalo was constructed using latest technology and is the first bio toilet in Goa. The toilet is complete and GTDC has done a good job by providing the toilets, but I don't know why CRZ authorities have not yet cleared the project and given permission," Godinho told The Goan.
"If a toilet is made for the beach, then it will obviously have to be close to the shore and not a mile away."
"I will make sure CRZ authorities are woken up from their slumber and will ensure that the toilet can be used also as a changing room and opened for public soon. It is of utmost importance to cater to tourists visiting Bogmalo beach as the season has already begun," the minister added.
