THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
In an ambitious drive to ensure that Vasco achieves the status of an Open Defecation Free (ODF) city, the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) on Friday got approval to construct 142 single toilets at various locations in the municipality.
The funds for the project will be provided through the GSUDA and all toilets are to be completed within 3 months.
Speaking to reporters, MMC Chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar said the MMC had taken an active step to ensure MMC gets ODF status by getting the work order issued on Friday to build 142 single toilets across different wards in MMC.
Stating that Vasco has been a well developed city, Gaonkar said despite several years of Goa Liberation, Vasco was unable to achieve the goal of being an ODF city.
“When I saw there were many unutilised government schemes, I decide to opt for this scheme and got in touch with the ward councillors and told them to identify locations where toilets could be built and do a survey and put forth a proposal to MMC.”
“After the proposal was put forth by MMC Councillors, we forwarded it to the government. Urban Development Minister Milind Naik immediately passed the proposal and we got approval to build around 142 single toilets in our MMC jurisdiction and we have given the work order to the contractor on Friday,” said Gaonkar
The MMC chairperson said that during the Standing Committee meeting, it was also resolved that another 250 toilets would be taken up in a few days, besides repairing existing urinals and building community toilets at various public places.
“Four community toilets in different wards are in the completion stages and we have put up proposals for more community toilets. We have also resolved to repair the urinals in the old bus stand and have a big community toilet in the municipal markets. We have taken steps to ensure that Vasco soon achieves ODF status,” said Gaonkar.
MMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes said funds for the project were obtained through the GSUDA.
“Our council is trying to achieve ODF status and we are trying to provide as many toilets as we can. Today, we have executed an agreement with Sulabh Souchalaya to build 142 toilets throughout the municipality and all wards of MMC. We have already identified the 142 locations and these works will be begin soon,” said Fernandes.
Sushil Kumar, controller of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, said efforts were being made to achieve ODF status for Goa.
“We have received the order from MMC to construct 142 toilets and these toilets will help achieve MMC the ODF status. We assure to construct all toilets within an estimated time frame of 90 days,” said Kumar.
