Women cops at Old Goa get own washroom facility

Panaji: Women police at Old Goa police station will heave a sigh of relief, after they got a separate washroom for themselves located within their barrack. The ignominy of sharing a toilet facility in the barrack occupied by male police personnel ended a month ago.
Old Goa police station, with a huge jurisdiction that comprises St Cruz, Cumbharjua and parts of Panaji and Mayem constituencies, has about 12 women police, including home guards.
“I can’t tell you how embarrassing it was for us to visit the men’s barrack for using the toilets,” she said.
The change, she said, happened only after PI Jivba Dalvi was posted at Old Goa. He took the initiative, and managed to get a decent washroom facility constructed in the women’s barrack.
“It’s huge a relief that I can’t even express in words,” said another female constable. She said the old arrangement was in place much before she was posted at Old Goa few years. Although the women’s barrack is located adjacent to the men’s barrack, yet the arrangement was uncomfortable, she said, without complaining about any of the other discomforts they face during their stay here.
Though the barracks have iron beds, there are no beddings, with hard cardboards used as a makeshift. Besides beds and tables, both the barracks have a lot other material dumped inside, thus making it a congested place.
With the mercury level rising, it is unconfortable to spend even a few hours in the barrack, even though a functional ceiling fan exists. However, the cops are not complaining as they feel it’s part of their job.
“The paint was peeling off. But it looks better now after a fresh coat was given,” said a woman cop while pointing to the walls.
The Old Goa police station is located in the vicinity of Basilica of Bom Jesus that sees thousands of visitors every day.
Although the structure of the police station is in good condition, it still needs some refurbishing and added facilities.