The Hindu 21.11.2013
Erode Corpn. identifies nine locations for ‘Namma toilets’
Ill-effects of open-air defecation explained
The Corporation has identified nine locations to install user-friendly ‘Namma toilets’. The tender process would be initiated soon, Corporation Commissioner M. Vijayalakshmi said. The identified locations are ideally suited for the toilets, she said.
Only the basement would be constructed with concrete and steel.
The structure would be made of fibre-reinforced polymer material with proper ventilation. These state-of-art toilets would be installed at Soolai, Periyar Nagar (near E Block), Ayapadi, near Jeeva shed, Kothukaranpudur, Perumalmalai, Solar Nagar Suthanthrapuram, Veerapannaipudur, and Kumaran Nagar.
At each toilet block, there would be six toilets, including one for the differently-abled. There would be dustbins, mirror, hand wash and incinerators for each toilet. Each toilet block would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 20 lakh, Executive Engineer K. Arumugam said.
The State Government earlier announced it would build ‘Namma toilets’ at 385 locations across the State to provide safe sanitation to the people. Such toilets have so far been constructed in Tambaram, Tiruchi, Ooty and Coimbatore.
Solar system
The lighting is based on solar system, with sensors connected to the lighting system such that they automatically switch off when the user leaves. It is corrosion-free and has digesters to process waste and release it into the existing sewage network.
The nine ‘Namma toilets' would be an addition to the existing 245 public toilets in the 60 wards that were cleaned on Tuesday to mark the World Toilet Day. All school toilets were also cleaned, officials said.
The civic body had created awareness about the day through banners and posters at vantage points including bus stand. At prayer time, the message of hygiene was delivered to the students.
The ill-effects of open-air defecation was explained. Damaged taps and bulbs were cleaned and bushes were cleared, officials said.
