In capital, green belts are a better option than public toilets. PHOTO: CPLC
ISLAMABAD: Residents of the capital expressed grave concerns over the poor conditions of public toilets in commercial areas, noting that insufficient facilities were available to cater to the demand of the ever-growing population.
Women, who make up half of the country’s population, urged the relevant authorities to improve the condition of the toilets as they presented a serious health hazard.
Moreover, they said that there were just 100 public toilets available across the entire city. Built over the years, a number of them were dysfunctional owing to lack of maintenance.
Reza Khattak, the owner of a wholesale shop in the Sabzi Mandi, said that contrary to popular belief, "A large number of women come to buy vegetables and fruits but they do not have [access to] a tidy and hygienic [lavatory] facility."
He said he ends up allowing women shoppers to use the washroom he built in the market for his personal use.
Sadia Babar a frequent visitor to one of the main markets of the capital noted that it is not just them who have to suffer.
"Women have to carry their children with them while shopping, therefore they have to be sensitive as children are more vulnerable to contracting various diseases due to the poor condition of public toilets,” she said.
"One cannot go back home for the purpose," she regretted.
Babar added that the relevant authorities must build new public toilets which are dedicated to women.
Nasreen Ansari, a local resident of Sector G-7/4, said some lavatories had been encroached by kiosk owners or other vendors which made it almost impossible for them to use it.
Rehan Khan, a salesman working at a shop in Sector G-11 Markaz, said that market owners have been forced to build washrooms for their personal use or for their tenants but women employees and visitors were completely ignored.
He deplored the poor condition of public toilets noting that the city generates revenue from these facilities since a fee is charged for using them. This money, he insisted, must be spent on the maintenance of these facilities and to improve their standards.
Medical Specialist Dr Arslan noted that dirty toilets were one of the largest sources of contagious diseases while children were the most vulnerable to poor hygienic conditions.
Expressing displeasure over the capital's public facilities, he said properties in markets have high commercial value but the provision of public amenities was being totally ignored.
Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) Sanitation Director Sardar Zimri brushed all criticism aside and stated that all such facilities were working smoothly.
He added that the IMC was committed to the renovation and proper security of public toilets to facilitate people.
Zimri further said that they were in the process of installing modern sanitary equipment in toilets to address complaints of the women. Moreover, a new public toilet unit is being built in Sector F-7.
"We are also planning to build additional toilets within the city to meet the demand of the growing population," he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 17th, 2018.
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