March 24, 2010 1:02:31 am
Lack of hygiene,few numbers and inconvenient locations are reasons why women refrain from using public conveniences in the Capital.
With the approaching Commonwealth Games,however,the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is set to change all that. The civic agency has invited bids for the construction of seven-star public toilets specially designed for senior citizens,pregnant and physically challenged women and children.
The project will be completed in time for the Games this year. The MCD will construct 200 such toilet complexes at public areas across the 12 city zones. To be built at a cost of Rs 100 crore,these toilets would be located in areas like Central Market in Lajpat Nagar,Defence Colony market,GK M-block market,Sarojini Nagar market and others.
These ultra modern complexes will have changing rooms,bathrooms as well as diaper-changing rooms. The floors will have a non-slip surface. Automatic flushing cisterns will be installed,besides proper lighting and screens to make them insect and rodent-proof.
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An MCD official said: Delhi is being developed as world-class city. Our public toilets need to achieve the highest standard of hygiene.
The toilets will be constructed on a design,build,own,operate,maintain and transfer basis. Companies that are awarded the tender will maintain these complexes for a period of 30 years.
The toilets will be designed in three different models. The smaller ones will have ground coverage of approximately 450 to 750 sq ft,while the medium and the large-sized complexes will have ground coverage of 900 and 1,200 sq feet respectively.
A nominal fee of Re 1 will be charged for using the urinals,while Rs 2 will be charged for using washrooms,diaper-changing areas,etc. Rs 25 will be charged for using the bathrooms. The MCD has directed the private bidders to submit their own designs. The firms will be allowed to use the first floor of these toilet complexes and 30 per cent of the ground floor for commercial use.
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