Mormugao books 40 open defecation cases in three days

VASCO: While the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has declared its wards Open Defecation Free (ODF), the challenge of educating and convincing people to use the newly constructed and repaired toilets, still remains.
Vasco police, in a joint crackdown with MMC, booked about 40 open defecation cases in three days. “Beach areas are one of our biggest challenges with trawler and boat-workers defecating in the open. Railway tracks and other open places are also a problem,” said Nandadeep Raut, chairperson, MMC. Beggars and migrants have also been booked for defecating in the open.
Meanwhile, toilets have been a priority for the municipality, and permissions for these have been made as hassle-free as possible. People are helped with funds for construction, if they have enough space at home. Toilet units in localities have been repaired and new toilets have been constructed at various places.
In beach areas like Khariawado, six-seater mobile toilets have been put up. Water arrangement is also being looked at by the council. MMC has approved 235 toilets so far for individual houses, 142 are in process while permissions for 250 have been sent.
Ward councillors have been asked to encourage people in their ward to build toilets if necessary. They have also been instructed to help people with permissions. An inspection of community toilets in their respective ward by the concerned councillors, has also been demanded by the chairperson.