Mangaluru : ’e-toilets’ in city - is it another money spinner?

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 16, 2015: MCC - Mangaluru City Corporation is slow to implement the proposed e-toilet facility, at city bus stands with environment-friendly toilets.  Though seven to eight firms have submitted proposals, the corporation officials have sought full  technical details.  News reports received indicate that revenue officials state  that the companies had not submitted enough details about the project. Connecting  UGD -underground drainage system and maintenance are big problems in the city. Moreover, the corporation wants to know in which cities they have implemented the project successfully.

It is stated that one bus shelter would cost from Rs 7 lakh to 8 lakh, some of them said that the cost would be up to Rs 10 lakh. They are not prepared to commit about a firm cost. Eco-friendly bus shelter with toilet is a welcome move, but an explanation on  how it is environment friendly is a must.

The agencies have distributed places among themselves and asked permission to construct bus shelters at around 80 places of the corporation limits.  But, allotment of spots is the work of corporation and it will call tender so that other agencies can also get opportunity. They have to provide technical details. There will be no compromise in quality of work. If it is worth Rs 10 to 15 lakh, corporation itself can spend the amount. The MCC officials have decided to hold an internal discussion after getting reply from the agencies.

The process would take at least a few months. Moreover, the agencies have sought 10 years of lease period with the corporation to collect expenses through advertisement. The council has power to give lease only for five years.   There is a need of special permission from the State government for 10 years of lease, he said.

MCC Commissioner Hephsiba Rani Korlapati said the decision on e-toilet was taken before her appointment to the post.  The  first consideration is to the development of the city.

INFO : E-toilets are box kind of high-tech toilets with overhead water tanks. They can be shifted anywhere with ease. They are fully automatic. A coin is inserted in a slot, the door opens. After the toilet is used, the water system automatically flushes the toilet and a pleasant fragrance is released to freshen up the atmosphere inside.  The door also closes automatically after a person exits. The toilets are installed near the drainage systems. But, here the agencies have submitted proposals to construct bus shelters with e-toilets.  Indeed the matter between the lines needs to be carefully examined.