The Pay & Use Toilet, located in the middle of Mao Market is a much relief to hundreds of shopper that crowds the market each day. It not only caters to the need of the shop keepers but also to several vendors that ply their trade there each day. Besides providing basic amenities, it plays a huge role in beautifying and keeping the capital clean. Such positive developmental programs should be encouraged across the board. Though the service there cannot be compare to Sulabh International Social Service (http://www.sulabhinternational.org/), it’s a start anyway. Sulabh has won several national and international awards for addressing the problem of open defecation and addressing its health concerns in India.
Open defecation was a Naga way of life. And from villages one hears horrendous stories that could put off any pork lover. But it has changed today (I hope for our sake). Rapid urbanization and the exponential growth of population in towns like Kohima throw up challenges of waste management. Apart from the huge piles of human waste that is lying all over the town and colonies unattended, a disgusting scenario one witness in capital Kohima is the lack of urinal sheds or the ones that are being constructed in such odd places. The two urinals, one near the bus station and the other just below the road leading to the local ground, is such an eye sore.
The urinals are not only at the wrong places but the one below the road leading to the ground, has only a small piece of tin roof to cover your manhood being exposed to the world.
The foul smell permeating from these urinals not only contaminates the air but also desecrates the heart of Kohima. This is not how we want to celebrate 50th year of statehood, or mirror Kohima to the tourist that is going to make inroads during the Hornbill festival. Though, it provides some relief to men (however inappropriate) what about our mothers, sisters, aunts and women folk in general. Where are the voices of women folks?
On the occasion of World Toilet Day it will help us to remember that toilet had been declared as a basic fundamental right. To put the point across, in the state of Bihar the Nitesh govt is planning to put forward the plan, "No toilet no vote" to educate the citizen of the importance of toilet. Better still, not only they could not vote but also cannot contest for election to public office. In Nagaland such matter (trivial) finds little mention in the front page and media too need to share the burden of picking relevant issues that directly or indirectly affects equality of life.
In this matter, the Municipal Corporation, the Town Committee and the Colony Panchayats should play an active and positive role in formulating a solution to address this lack of, or poor construction of urinal sheds. The idea of Pay & Use Toilet should be embraced and steps taken to make it available in all strategic locations in and around Kohima town and in colonies. The success could be replicated in other districts and towns in the state. But there are certain guidelines to be adhered to, if it has to match the Shulab in Delhi.
• First of all the govt should take steps to construct such pay and use toilets in all strategic location in and around Kohima.
• Land should be generously donated or purchased for this project. The support of citizens is paramount if this is to succeed.
• The toilets should be of a reasonable size that a man weighing 90 to 120 kgs should be able to squat comfortably. The toilet at Mao Market is narrow and not spacious enough.
• There should be at least 5 toilets and several urinals made available in such conveniences.
• The water provided should be treated to eradicate any possibility of water-borne diseases.
• The establishments should be cleaned and perfumed after every use by the public. Disinfectant is a must!
• A nominal charge of Rs. 10 and Rs. 5 for toilet and urinal is appropriate.
• The idea of leasing it out to reputed NGO's or individuals should be encouraged. It would ensure quality and service. While giving the contract the authority should ensure that price, hygiene and standard are rigorously followed.
• The authority should be able to table a mechanism to run them effectively. Since, no investment is required on the part of NGO's or private individuals, the establishments be leashed out for a year (or whichever is practical) and contract extended on being satisfactory.
• Smoking at such public places should not be allowed and imposed fine for abuse.
Nagas are not known to respect public property. This is seen in the way we deface and destroy government buildings, public utilities such as road/office sign boards. It’s high time the citizens should also learn to respect public property and obey rules; be it traffic rules or social etiquettes. Just blaming the govt without fulfilling our roles as citizens should come to an end.
The innovative idea of Pay& Use toilet should be a collective responsibility. But sad to see the government active only during the Hornbill festive season. I hope I am wrong in this regard.
Robin Temsu
