Corp seeks Kudumbashree aid for public toilet upkeep
T'puram: In a major step towards improving urban sanitation, the city corporation approached the Kudumbashree Mission to take over the operation and maintenance of all public toilets in the city, excluding those run by Sulabh.
The move comes in response to growing concerns over hygiene standards and public dissatisfaction, especially after the city scored zero in public toilet cleanliness in the Swachh Survekshan Survey 2023 conducted by the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs.
The civic body officially requested Kudumbashree to submit a detailed proposal for year-round maintenance of the city's 46 public toilets. The decision follows the successful operation of seven toilet kiosks at Manaveeyam Veedhi by Kudumbashree workers.
These facilities remained closed for over a year before being reopened recently and managed efficiently by Kudumbashree.
"The cleanliness and discipline shown by Kudumbashree team at Manaveeyam Veedhi convinced us of their ability to handle the city's toilet infrastructure. We want to replicate this model city-wide," corporation secretary Jahamgeer S said.
In a recent meeting between the corporation secretary and the Kudumbashree executive director, the two sides began discussions on a comprehensive strategy to ensure maintenance, hygiene, and long-term viability of public toilets.
A detailed proposal is expected to be submitted shortly.
Kudumbashree Mission officials welcomed the move and expressed their readiness to take up the challenge. "We see this as a crucial step toward inclusive urban development and improving the quality of life for all residents, especially women and the elderly. Our teams are trained, committed, and ready to work with the corporation to bring sustainable change," a senior Kudumbashree official said.
Most public toilets in the city remained shut after private contractors abandoned their operation, citing a lack of revenue and poor usage. Although there are also public restrooms available in petrol stations and other outlets, the overall availability and upkeep have remained grossly inadequate.
Under the Smart City initiative, six public toilets were upgraded recently. These include facilities at the corporation campus, Putharikandam Maidanam, Thampanoor KSRTC outgate and ingate, and Vanchiyoor.
These upgraded toilets are being viewed as benchmarks for cleanliness and accessibility.
Despite these improvements, the corporation acknowledged significant gaps in toilet infrastructure.
The state govt also initiated a statewide hygiene survey of public toilets, signalling a broader and more coordinated approach to sanitation across Kerala.
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