KOCHI: It’s an irony but true nevertheless. Although the district is all set to get the tag of Rs 100 per cent open defecation free’ by this month end, the condition of public toilets in the city leaves much to be desired. Major tourist spots in Mattancherry and nearby areas have no clean public toilets and foreigners are having a tough time. Though a big toilet complex has been constructed recently near the bus stand at Mattancherry, it remains closed. Likewise with the toilet that has been set up near the boat jetty.
Representatives of the Traders Association of Jew Town told DC that it was a “disgrace” that civic authorities had failed to provide basic amenities for the visitors at an internationally acclaimed heritage zone. “We see foreigners, especially women, struggling because there are no clean toilets in the area. They often depend on the toilets in the shops in Jew Street. But, shops are reluctant to provide the facility as they cannot keep it clean,” said a trader. However, T.K Ashraf, division councilor, said that the new toilet complex with 16 bathrooms near the bus stand would be opened next week.
“The opening of the facility has been delayed due to the slowdown in getting power and water connections. The electricity connection finally came through but the water supply is expected in a couple of days,” he said. Meanwhile, sources at the district Suchitwa Mission said that it was ready to construct more toilets in the area if the Corporation health committee submitted a proposal. “We are now focusing on individual toilet construction in rural areas whereas urban local bodies have been told to submit projects to set up public toilet facilities,” the official said.
