Over 50 community toilets lying defunct in Keonjhar

KEONJHAR: Community toilets established in slum areas of Keonjhar town under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan are lying defunct due to alleged lack of proper upkeep by the Keonjhar municipality.
Keonjhar town has more than 50 community toilets that are either unused or defunct, despite funds being allotted every month for their maintenance, sources said. The toilets were given to various self-help groups (SHGs) for their upkeep.
Locals were using the toilets when they were first installed, as all amenities like water, mugs, soap were provided. However, due to a lack of water, electricity, cleanliness and proper maintenance, the toilets are lying defunct for several months, they said. Three of the six community toilets are located in Suleikhamar Sahi, which has around 100 families.
"All the toilets are lying unused due to lack of electricity, water and other amenities. Swacch Sathis (cleaning assistants) engaged to maintain the toilets are withdrawing money every month for their work but are neglecting their duty. We are helpless. We have reported the matter to the municipality, but no action has been taken so far," said Sukumari Naik, president of Maa Hengula SHG, which manages one of the toilets. "The premises have became dirty and villagers were hesitant to use the toilets. They are back to defecating in the open. It may pollute the environment again and spread diseases," said Rajani Naik of Suleikhamar Sahi.
"Due to lack of proper supervision and misappropriation of funds allotted for their maintenance, almost all community toilets in Keonjhar town are lying defunct. We demand an inquiry and action against the municipality authorities for the situation," said Pravanjan Pattanayak, former chairman of the Keonjhar Municipality.
Ghasinath Murmu, project director, District Urban Development Agency, Keonjhar, said, "SHGs engaged for the maintenance of the toilets are provided funds. I will take the matter up with the municipality authorities and take steps to reopen and for proper functioning of the toilets."