Deccan Chronicle 19.01.2010

GHMC babus get stinker for neglecting public toilets

Hyderabad, Jan. 18: The Telugu Desam and MIM corporators on Monday nailed GHMC officials for not constructing toilets where those are needed the most.

The TD corporator, Ms N. Seshu Kumari, raised the issue at the general body meeting and accused officials of conveniently allowing public toilets to be encroached. Buildings have come up after dismantling public toilets and existing ones are not being maintained at all, they alleged.

Supporting Ms Kumari, the MIM corporator, Nazeeruddin, said officials award the contract of constructing public toilets to private parties on Built, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis and never check its maintenance.

“A public toilet has been constructed on Gosha Mahal road abutting a heritage structure. The toilet is raising a stink. I want to know which official gave the permission for a toilet there,” Mr Nazeeruddin asked.

Another corporator from old city said lakhs of tourists and citizens visit the historic Charminar monument. “There is no public toilet for women there. Why the officials have not bothered to construct a women’s toilet at Charminar?”

The GHMC commissioner, Dr Sameer Sharma, said a survey is being conducted on the status of toilets in the city and corporators will be provided with details in the next meeting.