The Hindu        19.07.2012

Antiseptic environment now for rent

: They are brand new, painted yellow and orange for easy visibility; there are six units, complete with a water storage tank, lighting and stainless steel fittings; and they are movable: the mobile toilet vehicle introduced by Kareem Kutty Multi Services hopes to make public space and participation in public events more women-friendly.

Plight of women

“Whenever I used to see public rallies or fasts in the city, I used to think about the plight of women participants who did not have clean, accessible toilet facilities anywhere close by,” says Kareem Kutty, who owns the company. The toilets are designed according to specifications given by Mr. Kutty. “The vehicle we have just introduced comes with six Indian style toilets, a Sintex tank for water supply, and individual lights for each unit,” he says.

Stating that it was possible to have anywhere between four and 10 toilets on a single unit, Mr. Kutty says the upcoming versions would come equipped with a washbasin and a mirror. Though mobile toilets aren’t entirely new (Bangalore has a few already), Mr. Kutty feels theirs was the first one to have multiple toilets. “The ones in Bangalore are single units,” he says.

The unit, which costs Rs.4 lakh to construct, is available for a rent of Rs.7,500 per day, according to Mr. Kutty. “We expect the toilets to be sought for public rallies, temple functions, and even housewarming ceremonies, where the toilets are not yet ready,” he says. He adds that his company would take care of the towing (of the vehicle) to and from the spot, besides clearance of the septic tank. “Since we were already into septic tank services, it made sense for us to introduce mobile toilets.”

In the future, Kareem Kutty Multi Services plans to construct and sell mobile toilets as well. “We could even begin renting out our units, on a long term basis, to Tiruchi Corporation for installation at public space around the city.”