A decade ago, hundreds of women took to the streets of Kozhikode, demanding proper public toilets.
As a result, many e-toilets came up in the city. However, despite prolonged conflicts and repeated memoranda to the authorities, none of them are functional.
With the COVID-19 curb exemption, and the majority of women returning to their workplaces, the situation is the same. In fact, this is not the problem of women alone. “We are forced to depend on the nearest hotel to use the toilet,” said Diwakaran, who travels from Vadkara to the city for work in SM Street.
The only public toilet near Mananchira is the accessible toilet complex on PM Taj Road, which is being used by commuters and shopkeepers on SM Street. A toilet complex built at Mananchira Square is yet to be opened, while e-toilets have become showpieces. The only other functioning public toilets in the city are at Mofusil Bus Stand and Palayam.
Supriya M. Who works with an interior designing firm said, “The unavailability of toilets is a concern for women.”
It is not that Kozhikode Corporation is unaware of this matter. Nigam Stadium is constructing toilets at Moonanlinkal, near KP Keshav Menon Road and near the city bus stand. The first two have been completed, but have not been opened, while the other two are under construction.
Deputy Mayor CP Musafir Ahmed, in his recent budget speech, acknowledged the inadequacy of toilets in the city and announced an action plan to address the issue.
The corporation plans to set up eco-friendly toilets in collaboration with cooperative banks, voluntary organizations and industries. The plan includes renovation of toilets at Mufassil bus stand with modern amenities. The deputy mayor said that the toilets under construction will be opened soon. The civic body has set aside 10 million rupees in the budget for the construction of toilets.
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