If toilets are causing problems to public, we may think of shifting them: Ashok Lahoti

Why suddenly there has been a spurt in toilet construction?

We wanted to end up at top rank in Swachh Survekshan. There have been points fixed for number of public toilets which would increase our ranking. So we have stepped up construction of public toilets to improve utilities on a priority basis.

You have constructed a large number of restrooms at places where it’s causing inconvenience to the public?

We needed space to construct toilets. We constructed them wherever we had space available. We can’t construct them on private land. It’s for public convenience constructed on public properties.

But they are mostly on footpath and road turns. Don’t you think these spots could have been avoided?

Look, we have constructed them for public utility. And if location of these toilets is causing problems to public, we may think of shifting them.

It has been observed that there are lot of sign boards indicating public utilities on road side but we can’t find any when we follow the ‘indication’ board. What are your views on this?

We have tried to make the city clean and beautiful under Swachh Survekshan. The boards were put up to let people know the location of toilets on the roadside. It might have happened that boards had been put up at wrong locations. We will review this.

Public toilets are generally awfully maintained. What have you done to ensure its cleanliness and hygiene maintenance?

For the first time, the maintenance has been given on contract to private parties. Previously, toilets were used to be filthy without any maintenance. We are taking every possible step for improving public utilities. Public should also cooperate with the Municipal Corporation.