Newly built toilets lying locked at park

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 14

Despite spending a huge amount on the construction of new toilets and installation of branded sanitary wares, visitors are unable to use these facilities at Nehru Rose Garden, a prominent park of the city. The toilets, constructed under the Smart City Mission, have been lying locked for the past over four months.

A large number of residents visit the garden everyday and they face inconvenience with the toilets remaining locked. A group of morning walkers have raised questions as to why the Municipal Corporation is delaying opening of the toilets.

A senior citizen said: “I, along with my friends, visit the garden in routine. With the newly constructed toilets not being opened for the public, many visitors are inconvenienced. The Municipal Corporation authorities must ensure opening of the toilets at the earliest.”

“I don’t know what could be the reason behind locking the newly constructed toilets. The public money should not go waste. The new toilets should be opened and the department concerned must ensure their maintenance and cleanliness on a daily basis,” said Gaganpreet Singh, a resident.

It was learnt that Ludhiana Smart City Limited (LSCL) has handed over these newly constructed toilets to the Municipal Corporation. An official said: “Branded sanitary wares and accessories have been installed in the toilets. There is a risk that these expensive accessories can be stolen if the toilets are opened now. That’s why there is a need to hand over maintenance work of the toilets to a firm.”