The Ombudsman for Local Self-Government Institutions has directed the Kozhikode Corporation to ensure that the e-toilets for women established in different parts of the city are in perfect working condition by May 14. the directive comes in response to a complaint filed by K.S. Jayasree, secretary of Sthree Chethana, a women’s forum, citing the deplorable condition of the toilets in November last year.
The Corporation had opened 15 e-toilets for women in August 2010. There are two e-toilets at Stadium, three at the Kozhikode medical college, two at Muthalakulam, and one each at Pavangad, Beach, Cheruvannur, Beypore, Karaparamba, lorry stand, Oyitty road, and Mananchira Wi-fi bus stop. Eram Scientific Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a Thiruvananthapuram-based company, was entrusted with the maintenance of the toilets.
Many glitches
However, within a short time, it was noted that the women were not using the facility much, mainly because of their location and also due to concern over the electronic operating system, which was found faulty many a time. There were also complaints that water supply was not regular. The coin boxes in many e-toilets were stolen. An inspection held in September 2013 revealed that 13 of the 15 e-toilets were unfit for use.
The agreement was that the company would maintain the toilets for seven years. But most toilets developed technical problems in two years. Sthree Chethana, which had spearheaded the campaign for public toilets for women, complained to the Corporation about the condition of the e-toilets. But neither the Corporation nor the company paid heed, they said. The organisation then sought to seek the help of Ombudsman.
The Corporation, executive engineer of the Corporation, Corporation Health Officer, and Eram Scientific Solutions have been named as respondents in the complaint. The case will be heard on May 14, before which the Corporation has been asked to solve technical problems of the e-toilets.
