To tackle the issue of open defecation in its jurisdiction, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation has planned to run public toilets free of charge. The civic body has invited tenders for the operation and maintenance of these units on a ‘free user charge’ basis, from interested parties.
ODF certification
Despite repeated efforts, the North civic body has failed to receive an Open Defecation Free (ODF) certification, which forms an important part of the Union government-instituted ‘swatchatta rankings’. In July, prior to inspections for ODF certification, the civic body had carried out regular inspections and reportedly built 500 extra toilets to ensure it gets the certificate, but failed to do so. The South and East Delhi Municipal Corporations, on the other hand, have issued the certificate.
On September 18, tenders were invited for the maintenance of 131 community toilet complexes with a total of 3,029 water closet or toilet. While user charges are typically allowed in order to supplement the upkeep of public toilets, in the present case, the civic body will be covering the charges. The North civic body will bear the cost of operation, management and maintenance and the agency will “not be permitted to take user charges from users under any circumstances”, the document states.
The scheme is being implemented to get rid of the “menace of rampant open defecation”, it states, adding that the agency which wins the contract would be expected to work towards this target.
Overall, the estimated cost of maintaining all units, which have been grouped into 13 categories, has been pegged at about ₹10 crore.
The contracted agency will be responsible for cleanliness of the facility, mopping on an hourly basis, provision of security, daily repairs, prevention of encroachments, proper lighting around the toilet complexes, provision of dustbins, including separate disposal of sanitary napkins, provision of soap and washing powder free of charge and other basic facilities. The toilets will have to be open round the clock, throughout the year.
The tender also makes specifications with regard to labour laws, liabilities on water and electricity charges and other guarantees which fall upon the contracted agency. Among other instances of default, if the agency charges user fees, it will be a breach of the agreement with the civic body and could lead to termination of the contract.
