THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the monsoon gaining momentum, the pressure on the bladders of the public are also going up. But the lack of sufficient public toilets in the city is compelling many to relieve along roadsides. The stinky by-roads are proof to this. The city at present has around 60 public toilets, including around 40 e-toilets and she-toilets.
But considering the increasing number of commuters in the city, these are insufficient to meet the requirement. Hygiene of the existing toilets is also a cause of concern. “It is true that many public toilets are unhygienic. We are taking steps to modernise the existing ones and also to set up new ones at Nemom, Thiruvallam and Kazhakoottam," said city corporation health standing committee chairman K Sreekumar.
Being the capital city lots of people reach Thiruvananthapuram daily for various needs. More over the number of diabetic patients are also increasing. Hence the city requires toilets atleast at every important junction. Owing to the absence of toilets many are forced to urinate on road rides, mainly by-roads.
"Apart from the stink, the urine will spread to the nearby premises along with the rain water," said R. Sreekumar, a resident of Vazhuthacaud. The government is assigning lands for various purposes. But least importance is being given for setting up public toilets which is a basic need, said Anilkumar P, a city resident.
