Kochi: Minister for local self government K.T Jaleel has instructed civic bodies to speed up activities to make Ernakulam free of open defecation by September 30. The official declaration in this regard wll be made on September 30. During a review meeting convened on Tuesday, the minister said that additional funds will be allocated to civic bodies which found it difficult to construct enough toilets.
“As many as 21 panchayats in Ernakulam have already acquired the tag of open defecation free, which is a commendable achievement,” The minister said. “In the state, two lakh toilets are required in the rural sector and most of them have to be constructed for the families in the general category.”
As many as 1975 toilets have already been constructed in 82 panchayats in the district and the construction of 2,882 more is progressing. The minister instructed the district Suchitwa Mission and additional district magistrate to take immediate steps to address the problems in the tribal area of Kuttambuzha. “If any NGOs are ready to support the initiative, they should be made partners,” he said.
