VIP toilet plan in Pune sparks debate; opposition calls it wastage of money while PMC says ‘much needed’

Along with toilet and shower facilities, these VIP toilets will have vending machines, paper napkins, sanitary napkins, and disposal machines.
Image Courtesy: Pune Municipal Corporation

Image Courtesy: Pune Municipal Corporation

Pune: The decision to build 15 VIP toilets across the city of Pune at the cost of 36 lakhs created a debate in the city. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has prepared a preliminary estimate of Rs 36.28 for five men’s and five women’s toilets and has started the tender process for the construction. Meanwhile, the opposition parties termed it as an extravaganza.
Of the total 36 lakhs, the state government will share Rs 25 lakhs while the PMC will have to spend Rs 11 lakhs. The toilets will be constructed at prominent locations, tourist sites and culturally and religiously important places. According to the corporation authorities, these toilets will have vending machines, paper napkins, sanitary napkins, and disposal machines along with shower and toilet facilities.
However, opposition parties have come up with allegations that these toilets are unnecessary and wastage taxpayers' money. They also pointed out that the expensive toilets built earlier are now defunct and closed. According to them, instead of mega toilets, more small toilets are required in the city.
“We have discussed this with women and health organizations. Small toilets should be constructed instead of costly and more seat blocks. There should be toilets at a distance of five hundred meters from crowded places. The existing toilet system should be improved. Only then will the funds be properly utilized,” The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson, Mukund Kirdat, was quoted as saying. “Earlier, 15 expensive e-toilets were constructed at a cost of Rs 2.25 crore, but now they are closed. Now, 15 more toilets will be constructed spending Rs 36 lakhs each,” he added.
However, the municipal authorities said that the city badly required clean and well-managed toilets with more facilities in order to cater to the growing need of the city.
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