The public washroom block constructed in 2014 in the Rafiabad area of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is yet to be made functional, causing great inconvenience to the general public, especially women folk and children.
The construction of the washroom in the Watergam area of Sopore was started in 2014 at an estimated cost of Rs 18 lakh. It falls within the municipal limits but has been left abandoned. It is now in shambles and has been left at the mercy of God.
Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the locals said the lavatory block is like a “showpiece”.
What is worse is that the passers-by relieve themselves along the roadside, said a local Javeed Ahmad.
“The town is home to a number of commercial establishments and schools. People from all walks of life, from adjacent areas, visit here on a daily basis. The women, children and the passengers travelling from other areas are the worst sufferers,” he said.
According to the traders at Watergam, the already existing two lavatory blocks in the vicinity are in complete shambles. It is very difficult to use the facility due to its pathetic condition, but the concerned authorities have failed to restore it, said a trader.
“Even as the district administration is trying to aware the common masses of the Swachh Bharat Mission and insists they use toilets, it has miserably failed to keep the public toilets clean and hygienic, the traders said, adding, “This mocks the very concept of the Swachh Bharat Mission.”
Executive Officer, Municipal Council Watergam, Farhana Shouket said that washrooms would be repaired and made functional “within the shortest possible time”.
“People will not face any inconvenience anymore,” the officer added—(KNO)