A corporation official said about 5
lakh had been spent for the renovation. “Asbestos sheets were put up on
the sides and the ambience has been completely changed,” he said. “Many
didn’t know about the toilet and no one now cares as we offer food at
very cheap rates,” he said.

The decision to remodel the toilet,
Ambattur unit AIADMK secretary and 89th ward councillor V Alexander,
said, “was because the unused toilet had become a haven for antisocials
and illegal activities. The toilet, following representations from the
public, has been relocated to a spot in a playground.”

The
canteen, which is spread over 1,000 sq ft, has become popular with
people in the area, Alexander said. “People have begun queueing up in
front of the canteen from very early in the morning. And all those who
said it would be a failure are now astonished by its huge success,” he
said.

The corporation, which has been running the budget
canteens in 73 places in the city since February, later opened canteens
in 127 more places. It now plans to open more canteens.

With
very little breathing time for identifying places to establish the
facilities, many councillors and corporation’s zonal officials began
looking for unused places. Some modified community halls, while others
built an additional room in the existing ward or zonal offices.