NT Reporter
Mapusa
Despite the completion of the repair and renovation of a toilet block near Hotel Shantadurga by the Municipality, it still has not been opened to the public and traders in the market, as the toilet lacks proper access for customers. The continued closure is not only causing inconvenience but also encouraging people to urinate in the open around the toilet block.
For several years, the Mapusa Merchants’ Association has raised the issue of a non-functional toilet block in the Mapusa market. Following continuous follow-up, in January 2024 MMC laid the foundation for the repair and renovation of the toilet block using CSR funds, with the work expected to be completed in three months. However, more than a year later,
the toilet block is still not functional.
One of the merchants said that for the last seven to eight years, they have been following up with the Municipality to make this toilet block functional, but it still has not been done.
“People are seen openly urinating near the toilet block, posing a health hazard. The toilet block has been repaired and is ready, but the municipality has still not opened it,” he said.
Another stall owner said that next to the toilet they have shops and they have to suffer the stink.
MMC chairperson Priya Mishal said that the work on the toilet block is completed, but they want to make separate entries for ladies and gents,
hence the delay.
“There was a proposal to shift a stall, but this was found to be unfeasible.Now we have decided to shift transformers so that separate access can be made,” she said, adding that the council resolution has been taken and it is in the pipeline.
