the goan I network
MARGAO
Welcome to toilet No 108 in the imposing Matanhy Saldanha administrative complex. This toilet block on the first floor of the Collectorate building is considered important in the scheme of things as it is located adjoining the office of the Margao Sub-Divisional Magistrate, which plays host to hundreds of litigants almost every day.
Sadly, like many a toilet block in the building, Toilet No 108 on the first floor is not anything better. A visit to the toilet revealed a worst scenario and only raises questions over the state of sanitation in the building when the government and officials swears by Swachhata and cleanliness.
Strange it may seem, but true that the toilet block plays host to a lone urinal, while the remaining urinals are all removed and dumped in the toilet, blocking the use of the toilet.
The wash basin is not anything better. While one of the wash basins has been covered with a lid, the remaining taps lie in a damaged state, only raising questions on the sanitation in the building.
Sources said the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Margao, Uday Prabhudesai has been flooded with complaints over the inadequate sanitation amenities on the first floor. Sources, however, said the officials have expressed their helplessness in addressing the issue, saying the entire building has been hit by sanitation woes.
Litigants, however, have found themselves in a piquant situation, either to stand in a queue to answer nature’s call or look out for other toilet blocks in the Collectorate building.
Incidentally, the district Collectoare has been headed by a host of Collectors, including IAS officials, but the issue of toilets and sanitation remained unresolved till date.
Hopes were raised when Revenue Minister Jennifer Monserrate visited the district Collectorate and promised to bring about a turn around in the sanitation problem, but in vain.
